State cabinet minister Nawab Malik in judicial custody after arrest in Feb in a money laundering case has filed an application for temporary bail on medical grounds and said that he has been advised surgery for a kidney ailment for which he requires care in a hygienic environment and said that the conditions in the state’s Arthur Road jail are inhuman.
“Since his arrest, the applicant has also been suffering from neck pain, lower back pain and heat rashes due to the inhuman conditions in Arthur Road Jail. If the Applicant experiences any kind of health-related problem at this juncture, while being in prison it would be extremely difficult to render timely and specialized medical treatment and care,” his plea stated.
The jails in Maharashtra have poor hygiene, the minister’s application said, adding that there is the absence of any real or adequate medical facilities and that they are overcrowded. “The inhumane conditions of jail in Maharashtra are well documented which make it evident that a serious threat is posed to the inmates and jail staff,” it said.
He said he has been advised treatment for a kidney ailment and that the surgery and postoperative care are required to be handled with care and caution in a safe and hygienic place. The plea further pointed out that he is 62-years of age and has a medical history including that diabetes, liver issues and hypertension among others. Regarding an ailment running in the family, the NCP leader’s application stated that his mother and brother have succumbed to it and he has to be kept under observation before it proves to be fatal.
The application said that his reports show he is suffering from chronic renal disease and it can even lead to kidney failure. His health is deteriorating and due to his co-morbidities, he has to be constantly monitored and has to undergo regular tests, for which he needs to be treated at a private hospital, it added.
He said further that the treatment available at J.J. Hospital is not adequate and that he requires treatment and surgery by his own doctors who have been treating him for more than eight years. In the alternative, his plea said that he could be referred to a private hospital for complete treatment at his own expense.
“A familiar sterile environment with the company of loved ones as well as care of his regular doctors and specialised medical professionals who will be able to identify the cause of his persisting problems, coupled with a balanced diabetic diet and regular exercise are essential for his mental as well as physical well-being,” the application stated.
