Central Prison inmates at RAK receive free medical checks

Ras Al Khaimah: The RAK Hospital conducted free diabetic screening, blood pressure and BMI check up on more than 150 prisoners and the police staff in Central Prison.

The temporary clinic aimed to create health awareness among prison inmates — both men and women — and their guards, who, given their different lifestyle, need to pay more attention to their physical well-being.

“Prison inmates, whatever their crimes may be, are human beings too, and need proper health checks like any of us,” Dr Raza Seddiqi, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director of RAK Hospital, said, “This is why RAK Hospital has taken it upon itself to provide free health services to the prisoners. We hope this small effort on our part will create awareness about prisoners’ health status and those who need medical care will be attended to. Such tests definitely serve as a wake-up call.”

“Given that diabetes, blood pressure and obesity are on the rise globally and particularly in the UAE, it is imperative that people get regular health check-ups. Since prisoners do not have the leverage, nor the resources, to get the examinations done on their own, health-care institutions should ideally provide these services free of charge. At RAK Hospital we understand this responsibility and have always been at the forefront of helping our community in various ways.”

The health check was met with a lot of appreciation from both inmates and the police staff.

Consistent with its philosophy of lending a helping hand, RAK Hospital has initiated a number of complimentary medical services for people across all walks of life. Earlier, the hospital had also arranged for free medical tests as part of their breast cancer awareness campaign.