Arthur Road jail inmates, free from Covid, to donate plasma

MUMBAI: Arthur Road jail is perhaps the first prison in the country where many prisoners who recovered from Covid-19 have agreed to donate plasma to help others. At least 182 inmates and 46 jail officials had tested positive for Covid. Only one inmate is still positive now.
The jail staff recovered and resumed duty. A plasma donation centre may be set up at the prison.
Inspector general of police (prisons) Deepak Pandey, who stayed at the prison to motivate the patients, said they volunteered to donate plasma. The authorities are chalking out plans and coordinating with agencies. “We were working hard since the first case was reported in May to control the disease. The inmates saw the jail staff’s dedication and endeavour for inmates’ treatment. The inmates appreciated the jail staff and now want to help others,” said a jail officer.
The inmates, who were isolated during treatment, have been sent to barracks. “We motivated and counselled them. Staff supported inmates and encouraged them to fight Covid. JJ hospital staff visited our jail and examined patients,” added the officer.
Following a Bombay high court order, Pandey on July 30 instructed Thane jail officials to carry out random testing of 15 personnel and 20 prisoners. BMC will also carry out antibody tests in city jails. The process will begin with staff and then inmates will be included, added Pandey. “The tests will help eliminate fear from one’s mind at prison,” said Pandey.