On November 19, 2024, the Seventh Day Adventist-Iligan City and Adventist Medical Center College brightened the day for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD) with a heartwarming dental mission. This initiative is a key part of a two-day medical mission aimed at enhancing the well-being of PDL and forms an integral part of the comprehensive health projects overseen by the facility’s Health Unit and JCI CARMELO A CORSAME, the city jail warden.
Warden JCI CORSAME shared his thoughts: “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Seventh Day Adventist-Iligan City and Adventist Medical Center College. Their commitment to the health and well-being of our PDL reflects a compassionate and community-driven approach that is truly commendable.”
Outstanding Health Services
The ICJMD prides itself on providing exceptional health services, as evidenced by winning the Best Unit Jail Nurse award in this year’s Gawad Penolohiya (Search for Outstanding Jail Officers) for Type A Jails in BJMP Region X.
Comprehensive Health Care at ICJMD
Upon admission, each PDL undergoes a thorough medical assessment to identify immediate health needs, creating a baseline health profile crucial for ongoing care. Throughout their confinement, PDL have access to regular medical consultations, health monitoring, and counseling. The ICJMD is equipped with an infirmary to provide basic medical care, including the treatment of illnesses and injuries, with medications provided as needed.
The facility also conducts health education programs to promote awareness and preventive care. Currently, Hon. Simplicio N. Larrazabal, III, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s health committee, is sponsoring a city ordinance to establish a primary health care clinic within the jail facility, offering vital medical services to PDL.
Regular TB and HIV screenings are held in partnership with the City Health Office. Since January 2024, 927 PDL have benefited from medical consultations by the unit Jail Nurses, 105 from face-to-face consultations with visiting doctors, and 1,218 from at least 10 medical missions conducted by health service providers this year.
PDL are also encouraged to engage in daily sunning, physical exercise, and sports activities to maintain physical health.
Proactive and Comprehensive Approach
ICJMD’s approach to healthcare for PDL is proactive and comprehensive. The facility’s Health Unit manages 95.87% of health interventions directly, ensuring timely and consistent care. Emergency referrals constitute only 3.1% of cases, while outpatient referrals and hospitalizations are relatively low, indicating effective on-site management of health issues.
Overall, ICJMD’s efficient and well-equipped Jail Health Unit ensures the well-being of PDL, reflecting the facility’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services.
