Minister rejects reports of 40 dengue deaths at Negombo Prison

Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has rejected reports claiming that around 40 inmates at the Negombo Prison died after contracting dengue fever.Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing at the Department of Government Information today (07), Minister Jayatissa said the reports were completely false and that no such deaths had occurred.He said inmates with illnesses are provided with necessary medical treatment, while those requiring care beyond the capacity of the prison hospital are transferred to nearby hospitals.The Health Minister added that there had been no reports of deaths caused by a shortage of doctors or healthcare staff at the prison, and that no complaints had been received regarding the treatment provided to inmates.He also said only one inmate had been reported with a fever on the day before the unrest and that the individual had received medical attention.