In 2001, the Norwegian Medical Association, in conjunction with the World Medical Association, set out to develop a web-based course in human rights and ethics for prison doctors. Various associations and organizations have contributed to the course.
Large numbers of prisoners do not receive adequate health care. In many countries health services for prisoners lack even the most basic resources. The prison population is seriously neglected. The prevalence of mental illness, the concentration of drug misuse and the general low level of health amongst the prison population indicate the clear need for good- quality health care. The negative health effects of both incarceration, and the prison environment itself, are widely recognised. Prisoners, however, have exactly the same rights to health services as the general population.
Doctors working in prisons face unique problems. Prison doctors must be able to provide high-quality health care in a demanding environment without breaching international human rights and ethical standards.
In many countries the education of prison doctors is also of poor quality. Many doctors do not have access to either international human rights law or to recognised international standards of ethics in health care for prisoners. Many witness human rights violations, but do not know how to respond to them appropriately. This educational programme introduces doctors to ethical and human rights issues in health care for prisoners.
Editors:
- Bjørn Oscar Hoftvedt The Norwegian Medical Association
Hernan Reyes, International Committee of Red Cross