MANDALAY DIVISION – There is a cholera outbreak in Ohbo Prison, Mandalay but the prison authorities have failed to provide sufficient healthcare, reported Mr. Thaik Tun Oo, a leading executive member from Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM).
It is said that the prison only provided loperamide and one packet of oral salts each to those suffering from diarrhea. The outbreak started in the second week of January and affected around 40 male prisoners and 25 prisoners including political prisoners with the number still rising.
“There are still cases of diarrhea. The main reason is the prison meals, the beans curry and rice are either too hard or too watery starting the second week of January. So, people with underlying gastric issues suffered from stomach pain after eating those meals. Even though they submitted complaints about the meal, the authorities did not accept,” explained Mr. Thaik Tun Oo.
Currently, although some prisoners have recovered, they are said to be experiencing red spots appearing all over their bodies as an aftereffect.
In addition, PPNM reported that there was a stand off between prisoners and prison authorities in Ohbo Prison on January 14 due to the prison meals not being fit for eating.
