Attorney Raises Alarm Over Diabetic Client's Deteriorating Health in Belize Central Prison

Attorney Arthur Saldivar has voiced serious concerns about the health of his diabetic client, Oscar Selgado, who is currently incarcerated at the Belize Central Prison. Saldivar claims that Selgado's health has significantly deteriorated, with the inmate losing over 20 pounds since his imprisonment. He fears for Selgado's life, citing the deaths of two other diabetic inmates in the same facility due to inadequate medical care.

Saldivar has highlighted the prison's lack of adequate medical resources, pointing out that the facility has only one doctor who is not always available. This situation, he argues, has led to what he describes as a 'hypoglycemic crisis' within the prison. 'One cannot be confident that a person in Mr. Selgado's condition could really survive,' Saldivar remarked. 'Both Abadi and Coye died within a year, and when it's being admitted that there's only one doctor and that doctor is not there all the time, it really gives pause to any right-thinking person. Better must be done.'

Why this matters: The treatment of diabetic inmates in prisons raises concerns about the provision of adequate medical care and the responsibility of correctional facilities to ensure the health and well-being of those in their custody. If left unaddressed, this issue could lead to further tragedies and erosion of trust in the criminal justice system.

The CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, which manages the prison, Virgilio Murillo, has defended the facility's ability to care for diabetic inmates. He insists that the prison has measures in place to respond to medical emergencies, including an ambulance on standby and a system for checking glucose levels. However, Saldivar remains skeptical, stating, 'All that sounds well and good when they are saying it here. But we know that what is said and what is practiced are many times wide apart in terms of the reality of the situation.'

Murillo has also addressed the deaths of the two diabetic inmates, attributing their demise to depression and refusal to eat rather than inadequate care. 'Two have died. It has nothing to do with the prison. I don't know how I prevent a person from dying when they choose by their own free will to stop eating because of depression,' Murillo stated. Despite this, the concerns raised by Saldivar and the deteriorating condition of Selgado cast doubt on the prison's ability to provide necessary medical care.

Oscar Selgado, who has been found guilty of abetment to commit murder and is awaiting sentencing, has been a diabetic for an unspecified amount of time. His significant weight loss and failing health have prompted Saldivar to call for immediate action to ensure that adequate medical care is provided. The situation at the Belize Central Prison raises broader questions about the treatment of inmates with chronic health conditions and the responsibilities of privately managed correctional facilities.

As the debate continues, the health and well-being of diabetic inmates like Selgado remain a critical concern. The call for better medical resources and oversight in the Belize Central Prison underscores the urgent need for reforms to prevent further tragedies.

Key Takeaways

• Diabetic inmate Oscar Selgado's health deteriorates in Belize Central Prison.
• Two other diabetic inmates died in the same facility due to inadequate care.
• Prison has only one doctor, not always available, leading to "hypoglycemic crisis".
• Kolbe Foundation CEO defends prison's medical care, but lawyer remains skeptical.
• Concerns raised about treatment of diabetic inmates and prison's responsibility.