Only three inmates who were found to have viral hepatitis received treatment for their disease, and 139 inmates are still awaiting treatment - meaning less than two percent received medical treatment.
This is according to data from the Prison Service, which was transferred to the Physicians for Human Rights organization.
New drugs that can lead to a complete cure of viral hepatitis entered the drug basket in 2014, but over the years the Prison Service has not acted to locate inmates at risk for liver disease (including, drug users, MI), test them and treat those in need of treatment.
Exterminate the virus
It should be noted that viral hepatitis without treatment can develop over the years into severe and chronic liver disease, to the point of needing a liver transplant, liver cancer, and even death.
It will be recalled that in 2018 a petition was submitted to the High Court on the subject. In June 2020, it was also reported in "Israel Today" that during the High Court hearings, the Prison Service undertook to check all prisoners at risk in order to adjust their treatment.
In practice, the data show that prisoners do not receive the drug treatment.
During the ten months, from August 2020 to June 2021, 2,758 prisoners were identified in the risk group, of whom 654 were examined, of whom 470 refused further investigation.
However, it was not stated what efforts the IPS took to encourage cooperation on the part of the prisoners for further examinations and treatment. But the vast majority were not treated, while two refused treatment. The IPS also reported that at the end of 2019 there were 148 inmates awaiting treatment for hepatitis, and it is not clear how many of them were treated.
The IPS continues to drag its feet regarding tests and treatment of inmates suffering from hepatitis C, according to the Physicians for Human Rights organization and the Arrow Association for Liver Health.
In addition, the organizations note that Israel has signed an international treaty and has pledged to eradicate the hepatitis virus by 2030. "Lack of treatment among the incarcerated group can lead to infection of additional populations coming into contact with them. "Ensure that the IPS periodically reports on the expenses and results of the screening tests and treatment of hepatitis C in prisons," wrote Anat Litvin of "Physicians for Human Rights" and Julio Borman of the Arrow Hospital Association.
The Bar-Lev bureau said: "The issue is being examined by the prison service."
The Prison Service said: "We are fulfilling our commitment. The prisoners admitted will be questioned about being in a risk group and were offered a test to detect antibodies to hepatitis C. Blood tests were performed on those interested and further treatment of prisoners who were found to be blue." Where no treatment is given due to budget for those diagnosed with hepatitis C ".
Health Minister Horowitz did not receive a response by the time the issue closed.
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