DOJ, private firms to protect health of female inmates

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into partnerships with private companies for the health and wellness of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mindanao (CIWM). Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and the DOJ Action Center, headed by Undersecretary-in-Charge Margarita Gutierrez, sealed the pacts with Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc. and mWell-Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation for the distribution of android tablets with health application/platforms, according to a news release Monday. The tablets were turned over to the DOJ on Sept. 18. 'These gadgets will be used to access mWell's fully integrated health application/platform where inmates can check or monitor their health condition,' the DOJ said. The tablets may be used for teleconsultations, to retrieve laboratory results, secure medical prescriptions and for other health-related concerns. Gutierrez handed over the android tablets to the CIWM Mindanao in Davao del Norte. The DOJ said the management of the equipment will be solely under the supervision of CIWM since PDL have no access to gadgets or the internet. "This initiative is testament to the DOJ's bold commitment to improving the country's penal and corrections system to help PDLs reform and prepare them to reintegrate into society as better people vital for the growth of our nation," Remulla said. The CIWM is a satellite prison facility under the supervision of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Source: Philippines News agency