Abstract
Prisoners and detainees have lost freedom of movement and control over their daily lives. To a very great extent, their health situation is also outside their control. Their lives (food, lodging, sports and work) are in the hands of others – typically agents of government. This has health consequences, often adverse. Provision of health care is the responsibility of the holding authorities, who will decide which health-care system is available and who the care providers are. In conflict or catastrophe environments, NGO or military personnel may become involved in the provision of health care. An example might be where there is an emergency (e.g. a fire) in a prison and medical help from outside is needed or where an NGO is asked to treat (or to not treat) a person who is a prisoner or taken as hostage. It is important to know the different status of people in conflicts and catastrophes, as this status influences their health and health care. To understand the many problems of health care for prisoners and detainees, it is essential to understand some of the terminology used and to be aware of human rights aspects and some other specific problems.
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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London
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Hoejenbos, M.J.J., Buma, A.P.C.C.H. (2014). Responding to Acute Humanitarian Crises: Health Care of Prisoners and Detainees. In: Ryan, J., et al. Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2927-1_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2927-1_15
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