In Loikaw Prison, Karenni State, the health conditions of prisoners and detainees have significantly worsened since the start of the 1111 operations in early 2023, according to the Karenni Political Prisoners Association (KPPA).

According to the report, prisoners are suffering from skin diseases, influenza, paralysis in the lower body leading to immobility, back pain, blurred vision, and stomach illnesses.

“Regarding all prisoners in Loikaw Prison, both political and other cases, we can estimate that the health situation began to deteriorate around 2023. At that time, our situation was also completely unstable. And the 1111 operations also began around that time. Furthermore, the prices of all goods were soaring. There were also changes in the prison staff. From that point onwards, the health conditions of all prisoners deteriorated quite severely,” a KPPA member explained.

Due to inadequate medical care, diseases that could normally be cured with medication are no longer responding even to injections. As a result, cases of mental health problems and suicidal thoughts have increased, the member added.

“As their health problems develop, the follow-up consequences are clear. For example, skin diseases that would usually heal, like scabies, no longer recover at all. It has become impossible to cure them in their current condition,” the KPPA member continued.

The association also stated that prisoners are facing poor living conditions. They receive only one piece of soap per month, are just allowed 15 cups of water for bathing per day, have to drink unclean water, suffer from cold weather due to inadequate blankets, sleep on damaged floors, and lack sufficient prison uniforms and footwear.

Currently, there are around 700 inmates, including about 50 political prisoners, in Loikaw Prison. Moreover, political prisoners are not permitted to receive parcels or family visits.