Health in prisons: Minister Ibrahima Sy calls on MPs to adopt the proposed law

The Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, participated in the plenary session review of the draft law on healthcare in prisons. He stated from the outset that this initiative aims, in particular, to "guarantee detainees effective access to healthcare, with respect for their dignity." He added: "This requirement is not secondary. It concerns public health as a whole and Senegal's international commitments, notably the Nelson Mandela Rules regarding the treatment of prisoners."

The minister also spoke about the organization of healthcare in prisons. "It requires rigorous organization and flawless coordination between the prison administration and public health services, with safeguards adapted to the specific nature of the prison environment," he stated.

During his speech, Ibrahima Sy indicated that the government had presented eight amendments to the committee. According to him, these modifications "list the organic provisions on the sole reference to the decree, without prejudging its content, remove a redundant delegation to a joint order, strengthen the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, coupled with a duty to report, and clarify the conditions of consent to care as well as medical care."

Finally, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene presented the amended text as the result of the work carried out in committee. "The text submitted to you today faithfully reflects the balance reached in committee between the requirements of public health, the dignity of the detained person, and the coherence of our legal framework," declared Ibrahima Sy. He concluded, "Therefore, on behalf of the government, I invite you, honorable members of parliament, to adopt in this plenary session Bill No. 2026 concerning health in prisons, as amended in committee by the government."