Adiala Jail Inmates Seek Private Hospital Treatment After Imran Relief

Islamabad: (Special Reporter) –  Several inmates at Adiala Jail have approached the courts seeking access to private hospitals for treatment of serious medical conditions, following the Supreme Court’s August 18 order concerning former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical care.

The petitioners contend that if all citizens are equal before the law, prisoners suffering from serious illnesses should also be entitled to appropriate medical treatment under the same legal principles.

One of the petitioners, Owais Altaf, is an under-trial prisoner facing a case under Section 489-F. He has reported a history of rheumatic fever, joint inflammation, back and joint pain, numbness and elevated inflammatory markers.

Altaf has asked the court to establish an independent medical board consisting of specialists from Shifa International Hospital and Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital. He has also requested permission to undergo treatment at a private hospital, including comprehensive diagnostic tests, medication, possible surgery and subsequent follow-up care.

Another petitioner, Ilyas Khan, is facing murder and attempted murder charges while in custody. His petition states that he suffers from Hemophilia A, gastrointestinal bleeding and severe anemia, conditions that have allegedly placed him at risk of hypovolemic shock.

Ilyas has sought the formation of a specialist medical board involving blood and gastrointestinal experts. He has also requested transfer to Shifa International Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital or another suitably equipped private medical facility for treatment.

The petitions maintain that the Supreme Court’s August 18 order concerning Imran Khan has established a basis for other seriously ill prisoners to seek comparable medical relief through the courts.

The latest petitions could add to the broader legal debate over prisoners’ access to specialized healthcare and whether seriously ill inmates should be allowed treatment at private medical facilities when adequate care is not available within the prison system.