Protection of Healthcare in Penitentiary System and Torture Prevention Mechanisms It is noteworthy that according to epidemiological research, number of individuals with mental health problems in European prisons amount to 32% while together with the drug addiction problem this figure exceeds 62 %.35 Against this background it is hard to imagine that in 2012 the number of individuals with mental health problems in the Georgian penitentiary system, even primary cases, was 4 %. Also the level of bone and joint system pathologies is also low which against the backdrop of the tortures revealed is impossible; Indicator of illnesses of endocrine profile is low. It should be especially noted that pathology of thyroid gland practically which is stipulated in the guidelines and protocols of psychiatry at the time of mental and nervous diseases, is not diagnosed. In addition, as a result of monitoring held on the spot it was determined that inmates suffering from pancreatic diabetes often have glucometers themselves and themselves control its level while medical units suffer shortage of test strips necessary for a glucometer. As a result of case analyses it was determined that often we encounter hypodiagnostic of patients which goes against the standards existed in the civil sector. The said cases shall be discussed in separate chapters according to categories.36 The program of examination and rehabilitation in accordance with the principles of the Istanbul Protocol is not accessible for victims of inhuman treatment and torture in the penitentiary system of Georgia. On this background we deem it necessary to exercise stricter control on the quality of medical care in the penitentiary system. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMED CONSENT Despite repeated recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe a right of confidential conversation with a doctor is neglected in Georgia’s penitentiary system. As inmates stated, they were deprived of right to talk openly about widespread torture and inhuman treatment since they were overheard and after claiming about facts of torture they were punished and subjected to even more severe inhuman treatment. In words of medical personnel, conversations with inmates were always attended by non-medical personnel. It shall be noted that even forensic medical examination in many establishments were carried out with confidentiality violations. We could not find forms of informed consent in outpatient cards that according to order No 01-41/N37 of the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia should be definitely administered. According to inmates’ statements they are not informed in a timely manner about results of examination and they are not aware of prescriptions they were given. HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT – SPECIAL CATEGORIES Juveniles We shall note that department of juveniles in temporary detention isolators was moved to the territory of N8 establishment thus both national and international standards of separation of juveniles was violated. The procedure 35 36 37 38 Mental health in prisons: The World Health Organization, European regional department – improvement of mental health in prisons; agreed statement, Hague, Netherlands, November 18 -21, 1998. Chapter “Humanitarian support”. Order No 01-41/N of August 15, 2011 issued by the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia on “Approval of Procedure for Administration of Outpatient Medical Documentation in Medical Institutions”; The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 3rd General Report, 1992, parag. 33,34. NPM Report 2012 Given the above, it is necessary to take relevant measures for protection of the principle of confidentiality38 and access to information within the framework of the healthcare of the penitentiary system of Georgia. It is necessary to arrange medical room of the admission department so that a doctor is able to have an opportunity to conduct a confidential and adequate medical examination of an inmate. Majority of prisons in Georgia lack this infrastructure.