Guwahati Central Jail reports 38 HIV-positive inmates

Thirty-eight inmates at Guwahati Central Jail have tested positive for HIV, including 33 men and five women. The detection occurred during testing conducted by the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), which operates under the Assam State AIDS Control Society.

A significant number of the affected inmates are accused in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. While it remains unclear if the infections were contracted prior to admission or within the facility, there are concerns that transmission through infected needles used in drug abuse may be a factor.

The jail is currently overcrowded, housing approximately 1,802 prisoners against a sanctioned capacity of 1,400. Prison officials stated that new inmates are screened for HIV and hepatitis upon admission, and those testing positive are provided medical care. The 38 HIV-positive inmates are currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).