Guwahati: As many as 38 inmates at Guwahati Central Jail have tested positive for HIV during routine health screening, officials said on Tuesday.
The cases include 33 male and five female inmates. According to officials, the infections were detected gradually through routine screening conducted when prisoners enter judicial custody.
As part of the admission process, inmates are screened for HIV, hepatitis and other health conditions. The positive cases are being monitored through the jail’s existing medical care and testing system.
Officials said a significant number of the inmates who tested positive have a history of drug addiction. However, there is no indication that the infections were acquired through drug use inside the jail.
Guwahati Central Jail currently houses around 1,802 prisoners, including 281 inmates facing cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Members of the Assam State AIDS Control Society are stationed at the jail and assist with HIV testing and medical procedures for inmates.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the inmates who have tested positive and provide them with necessary medical care. Further screening and health assessments are also being carried out as part of the prison’s ongoing medical programme.
The detection of the cases comes amid a broader focus on healthcare and disease screening among inmates, particularly those with a history of substance abuse.
Officials have maintained that the HIV cases were identified through the routine screening mechanism followed at the prison, and the affected inmates remain under medical supervision.