According to tempo24.news, the latest to die was a 70-year-old inmate, the eighth in under two months. Another prisoner died on Monday night.
The deaths have caused considerable concern among the authorities, who have already moved to request urgent interventions and inspections to establish the exact causes.
As reported by ERT, the deaths appear to be linked to pathological causes. The Patras Appeals Prosecutor’s Office has nonetheless ordered an investigation.
On the evidence available so far, the most significant problem is overcrowding. Prison officials note that a facility designed to hold 340 to 370 people currently houses about 700 prisoners.
A significant number of inmates have serious health problems, and several also present with psychiatric disorders. At the same time, the prison’s healthcare staffing remains limited, which further complicates efforts to meet the rising needs.
In response, the Patras Medical Association, the Prosecutor’s Office and the prison administration have begun working together to find solutions and strengthen healthcare provision for prisoners.
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