Knocking on the Door of the Cell with Empathy: When Health Services Come Closer to Women in Jambi Women's Prison

Jambi Class IIB Prison officers together with doctors check the health of inmates (ANTARA)

Behind the sturdy walls of the Jambi Class IIB Women's Penitentiary (Lapas), a humanistic step is underway. The atmosphere in the corridor of the residential block feels different when the footsteps of the medical team sound earlier than usual. Not just a routine, that day the doctors and health workers "picked up the ball" by visiting the inmates' rooms directly.

This step was taken to ensure that the right to health is still fulfilled, even though their room for movement is limited. With a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer in hand, the medical team greeted the residents of the block one by one with soothing hospitality.

"Knocking on the Door" Doctor Service

Unlike the usual procedure where patients come to the clinic, this time the specialist doctors and medical officers went directly to the residential blocks. This initiative is designed to detect early health disorders, ranging from mild complaints such as dizziness and pain, to conditions that require more serious attention.

The Head of the Jambi Class IIB Women's Prison, Meita Eriza, explained that this activity is a manifestation of the prison's commitment to providing equitable services.

"We want to ensure that every resident receives decent health services. Doctors go directly to the residential block not only for medical reasons, but also for our responsibility in providing basic rights optimally and responsively," said Meita enthusiastically.

More than Just Medicine: Education for a Better Life

Physical examination which includes checking blood pressure and general conditions is only one part. In between the examination, the inmates also received "gifts" in the form of knowledge. Health officers provide short but in-depth education on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and room hygiene.

Messages about healthy lifestyles during the training period are important material. Hopefully, after completing the sentence, the inmates will take home new healthy living habits to their families.

Hope and Smiles from Behind the Block

The presence of medical teams at the door of the residential block was warmly welcomed by the residents. For them, this kind of direct attention gives a sense of comfort and security during the training period.

"We feel very helped. There is no need to wait for severe illness to see a doctor, because the doctor himself came to greet us in the room," said one of the residents.

Through this humanistic approach, the Jambi Women's Prison proves that guidance is not only about rules and sanctions, but also about fulfilling basic human rights and dignity. With a healthy body, the guidance process is expected to run more optimally, preparing them to return to society with better physical and mental conditions.