Upon his initial commitment to the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), the inmate’s medical history is recorded and properly documented by the Medical Specialist. Medical information and mental status examinations are given to ascertain his overall physical/mental fitness and whether he would be fit for work. This forms part of the diagnostic process which will eventually determine the most appropriate rehabilitation program for the inmate.
The principal medical care of inmates is provided through a 500-bed capacity hospital at the New Bilibid Prisons and at six (6) other mini-hospitals or clinics in the six (6) other prison and penal farms. All correctional facilities have a full and competent staff of medical practitioners in charge of clinics, infirmaries, and hospitals. These centers are capable of minor surgical operations, laboratory examinations, radiology, psychiatric, rehabilitation, and dental treatment.
Other governments and private hospitals are also tapped in the implementation of standards pertaining to nutrition and protective health services for the prison community. Medical services also include a wide range of counseling techniques and therapy programs that address the psychological problems of inmates, including suicidal thoughts and feelings of rejection which may lead to disruption of peace and order within the prison compounds. When an inmate’s ailment is beyond the competence of the in-house medical doctors, the inmate is referred to a government hospital in accordance with prison rules and under proper security escorts.