Zimbabwe: Iran Donates Drugs, Equipment to Prisons

allAfrica.com -- The prisons need larger budgets to handle health needs of prisoners. Zimbabwe Prison Services Deputy Commissioner (Rehabilitation) Rhodes Moyo said on Thursday that the current budget was not adequate to fulfill the great demands of prisoners.

He was speaking during the handover of drugs and medical equipment worth over US$20 000 by the Iranian Embassy.

"It is not a secret that the current fiscus has proved to be inadequate to meet all health service delivery requirements," said Deputy Comm Moyo.

"Government should ensure that more funds are diverted to the ZPS to cover its health sector."

Deputy Comm Moyo said the donation came at an "opportune moment" as ZPS was struggling to provide enough health services.

"This donation will complement what we have in stock," he said.

"This good gesture will go a long way in assisting the prison services in enhancing our health delivery service to inmates and members of staff."

Deputy Comm Moyo expressed gratitude to Iran for standing by Zimbabwe at a time the country was facing economic difficulties.

"This is not the first time that you (Iran) have offered a kind hand to us," he said."

"Last year, you gave us blankets at this most hour of need and we are grateful."

Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Muhammad Pournajaf hailed the relationship between the two countries, saying the donation will cement the already existing ties.

He said physical and mental rehabilitation was important to prisoners, especially in winter.

"This is not the last assistance we are offering because physical and mental rehabilitation is important as it will lead to the revival of the prisoners especially in winter," he said.

"We are duty bound to help our brothers whenever we can. This synergy between our countries should further enhance our relationship."

Mr Pournajaf said prisoners were entitled to basic human services regardless of the crimes committed.