Three Transgender Inmates Test HIV Positive in Pratapgarh District Jail
In a concerning development from Uttar Pradesh, three of the 13 transgender individuals arrested in Prayagraj and subsequently lodged at Pratapgarh district jail have tested positive for HIV. The confirmation came through an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) report received on Friday, following initial screening tests conducted during their admission to the jail premises.
Arrest and Initial Screening Details
The 13 transgender persons landed in judicial custody after their arrest on Sunday when two groups from the community clashed in Prayagraj. Upon admission to Pratapgarh district jail, authorities conducted initial health screenings using primary kit examinations. During this preliminary assessment, seven out of the 13 transgender inmates showed positive results for HIV in rapid tests.
Rishabh Dwivedi, the senior jail superintendent of Pratapgarh district jail, provided detailed insights into the process. "In the initial screening test through primary kit examination during their admission inside the jail premises, 7 out of 13 transgender inmates tested positive for HIV," Dwivedi stated. "However, jail authorities sent blood samples of all 13 transgenders to the ART centre for confirmation."
Confirmation and Treatment Initiation
The ART centre in Pratapgarh conducted confirmatory tests on the blood samples, which verified that three of the inmates were indeed HIV positive. These three individuals are residents of Uttarakhand, adding a cross-state dimension to the health concern.
Dwivedi further explained the treatment protocol followed by the authorities. "The authorities of the ART centre (Pratapgarh) informed jail authorities that data of these 3 was sought through the portal and their treatment was initiated," he said. This systematic approach ensures that confirmed cases receive appropriate medical attention without delay.
Health Official's Perspective on Testing Protocols
A senior health official involved in the process elaborated on the standard procedures for health screenings in jail settings. While rapid tests are used for screening during admission at jail, once their confirmed report was received, the treatment was initiated from the ART centre, the official noted. This two-step process—initial rapid screening followed by confirmatory ART testing—helps maintain accuracy in diagnosis while facilitating timely intervention for those testing positive.
The incident highlights ongoing health challenges within correctional facilities and marginalized communities. It also underscores the importance of robust health screening protocols and immediate treatment initiation for infectious diseases like HIV, particularly in institutional settings where populations may be at higher risk.
