CAT/OP/CHL/1 health records and the inmates’ state of health. As a result, staff remain unaware of inmates’ illnesses when they enter the facility, which of course has adverse consequences as time goes on. 56. The Subcommittee noted that, in one particular detention facility, only half of the examinations that were performed had been recorded in the medical records. This constitutes a violation of the inmates’ rights. 57. In Santiago, the medical services provided in the prisons and the prison hospital are adequate. The same cannot be said, however, of the prisons that were visited in Valparaíso and Antofagasta. In some places of detention, the Subcommittee noted that inmates had difficulty gaining access to a doctor because prison officers refused to take them to a health centre. The Subcommittee is concerned to note that the prison hospital’s psychiatrist, dermatologist and cardiologist have resigned and that, after more than a month, they have not been replaced. Anaesthetists are available only for limited periods of time, making it difficult for surgeries to be performed. If necessary, use is made of the general hospital but, according to the statements made by inmates, health personnel and prison officers, this results in the necessary medical consultations being delayed by between several months and as much as a year and thus constitutes discrimination against the prison population. The Subcommittee is also concerned to note that, even when appointments are made at the general hospital, inmates sometimes are unable to attend because no ambulance is available, as there is only one for the Valparaíso region, for example. Also, no doctors are on duty at the weekend, which further exacerbates the situation. 58. The Subcommittee recommends that, in all cases, attention should be paid to the proper completion of all medical documentation. Furthermore, treatment in the above-mentioned specialized areas, among others, should be provided at the prison hospital. If this is not possible, the State should ensure that prompt and effective coordination is undertaken to deal with the various pathologies concerned. The Subcommittee believes that an independent observer, such as the representative of a national preventive mechanism, could provide suitable follow-up in such situations. 59. The Subcommittee found that dental services were well run at Santiago Detention Centre No. 1 and the Special High Security Unit. In the latter prison, inmates are treated for suspected illnesses and given follow-up care. Record-keeping was satisfactory. At San Miguel Prison, however, women inmates complained that access to such services was limited. 60. The Subcommittee is concerned to note that effective access to dentistry services for the whole of the prison population, including those inmates who receive appointments, is actually controlled by prison officers. 61. The Subcommittee recommends that a register be set up for use in scheduling appointments on a regular basis and that steps be taken to ensure that no discrimination of any kind is practised by officials or dentists themselves. 62. The availability of medication in the places of detention that were visited varies from one centre to the next. The Subcommittee noted that sufficient medication was available at some of the places of detention and, in the majority of cases, medication is given to chronically ill patients, who must sign a register to confirm receipt. However, the Subcommittee is concerned about the lack of medication in some prisons, such as those in Antofagasta and Valparaíso. In the latter, complaints were made about interruptions in the delivery of medication to some inmates with HIV. The Subcommittee would like to emphasize that such interruptions would be extremely serious as, when persons with HIV fail to take antiretroviral medicines, they are more likely to develop AIDS. 63. In the light of the above, the Subcommittee recommends that particular attention be paid to the provision of medication to people with HIV, other chronically ill patients and other prisoners who require treatment. In all cases, a register should be signed by prisoners to confirm that they received their medication. The Subcommittee recommends that prison health services adapt their protocols and facilities to ensure that persons deprived of their liberty who wish to do so can use 10 GE.17-07771