Chandigarh:Amid overcrowding and rising health concerns inPunjab’s prisons, the state government is now planning to establish Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) in all ten central jails to provide inmates with better medical care. The state health department has reportedly begun identifying suitable spaces within the jails to implement the initiative. Also Read:SC approves 300-bed Hospital on Sanganer Jail land Punjab already has 24/7 medical officers deployed in all jails; however, the AAC model is expected to significantly expand access to medical care. The government recently floated tenders to establish 236 new AACs, which will bring the total number of functional clinics in the state to around 1,117. A senior health department official mentioned that AACs offer 107 types of free medicines and 47 types of free diagnostic tests, which will significantly improve medical treatment for jail inmates. According to the news reports, Punjab’s prison system has long faced challenges due to overcrowding, with inmates suffering from serious illnesses, including HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis. In August, the principal secretary (jails) had written to the principal secretary (health) highlighting the strain on prison healthcare services. The letter noted inadequate medical infrastructure, vacant healthcare posts, and limited preventive care facilities. Also Read:Delhi Government tightens leave policy for Mohalla Clinic doctors