Davide promises to build jail infirmary

The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) will be getting a new infirmary, but not anytime soon.

Gov. Hilario Davide III took the cue  from jail warden Romeo Manansala who pointed out that  the jail lacked an infirmary for sick inmates, a need highlighted by the measles outbreak in the detention center.

Since last month, ailing detainees were placed in an improvised “isolation room” that is actually a vacant hallway  facing the quadrangle next to holding  cells formerly used to keep hardened criminals.

Inmates sleep in hammocks and wooden beds along the corridor.

“I’m thinking of an expansion. Hopefully, the budget will be enough. If not, we’ll look for other ways to get funding,” Davide said.

Davide said that he will consult with Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora about this and ask his recommendation.

He said  the one-hectare CPDRC has enough space  to house an  infirmary.

Davide said he would make sure the project is completed before his term ends in 2016.

The governor said he was still  waiting for a recommendation on whether visiting hours should be temporarily cut off due to the outbreak.

Overcrowding in the CPDRC which has exceeded its capacity was cited as one factor for the spread of measles.

“Even the municipal jails can’t accommodate all their detainees. Some of the mayors asked if they could send their notorious criminals over to the CPDRC, and so they’re there,” said Davide.

The governor  said he is hopeful that a new infirmary would ease problems stemming from the  limited space in the detention center.

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Ailing inmates cramped in isolation room