Question:
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what plans does the Ministry have to tackle the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in our prisons; and (b) whether the Ministry can ensure that all inmates are vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
Answer:
1. There are no known instances of inmates contracting HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C while they are in prisons. Prison officers and medical personnel comply strictly with national healthcare standards and protocols when managing inmates. The prison medical service provider also conducts regular health talks for inmates to promote a healthy lifestyle, including education on personal hygiene and not engaging in risky behaviour.
2. On the member’s question about whether all inmates can be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) takes reference from the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS). Under the NAIS, vaccination for Hepatitis B is not mandatory.
3. will continue to regularly review the healthcare approach in our prisons through its Medical Advisory Panel.
