226 Inmates Across 31 Assam Jails Test HIV-Positive in Four Months

Assam has recorded 226 HIV-positive cases among inmates across 31 jails in the state between April and July, according to official sources. The infections were detected during screening drives conducted in prison facilities over the four-month period.

Nearly 95% of the cases have been linked to injecting drug use, highlighting the intersection of narcotics and public health challenges within the prison system. Of the total affected inmates, 202 are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Officials noted that security constraints have made it difficult to transport some inmates to ART centres. In response, ART teams are now visiting jails directly to administer treatment and related services.

The development has drawn attention to specific facilities, including Sribhumi District Jail, where 11 of the 445 inmates have tested positive for HIV. One of the affected individuals is a female inmate. Jail authorities said most of those infected in this facility are linked to cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government is treating the matter seriously and will examine how one inmate contracted the infection while in custody. He assured that the affected person would receive necessary medical care and treatment. The Gauhati High Court is also reportedly seized of the issue.

Meanwhile, the Sribhumi jail, which has an approved capacity of 187 inmates, currently houses 445 prisoners, renewing concerns over severe overcrowding. The AIDS Control Committee regularly visits the jail to provide counselling and medical support, and HIV-positive undertrials are referred to Silchar Medical College for advanced treatment when required.

Earlier, state Health Minister Ashok Singhal had stated that Assam has approximately 33,000 active HIV/AIDS patients.