Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. has ordered comprehensive medical assessments of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) following an increase in amoebiasis cases.

The directive came after a report submitted by Corrections Supt. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva, chief of the Directorate for Health and Welfare Services at the NBP Hospital, based on an epidemiological analysis conducted by Corrections Insp. Kristoffer Solis, the medical officer on duty.

The analysis showed that amoebiasis cases were predominantly concentrated in the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), where newly committed PDLs are housed for up to 60 days.

Of the 95 cases recorded from January to June, 92—or 96.84 percent—were reported in the RDC. The remaining cases included one in the Maximum Security Camp and two in the Medium Security Camp.

The morbidity data underscored the need for immediate intervention to control and prevent the spread of the disease within the prison.

The RDC serves as a quarantine and diagnostic center, where newly admitted inmates undergo a five-day quarantine followed by a 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation and initial security classification.

To curb the spread of amoebiasis, Catapang directed the continued implementation of strict sanitation protocols and the provision of necessary medical supplies, including sulfur soap.

The Directorate for Health and Welfare Services was also instructed to conduct regular medical consultations and closely monitor the health condition of all PDLs.

Catapang said the measures are intended to manage existing cases, reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health of the prison population.