Capitol resorts to ‘music therapy,’ physical fitness to treat ‘psych’ IRC inmates
The Iloilo Provincial Government has now taken “alternative medicine” to an all-together different level with no less than inmates of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) in the receiving end.
Part of the treatment devised by the IRC management, subjected to “alternative medicine” here were five new psychiatric cases alongside the earlier 43 inmates diagnosed with mental problems.
The information formed part of the latest update presented to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) by IRC warden, lawyer Soteo Gardose and approved by Governor Niel Tupas.
With total 48 inmates found to be mostly schizophrenics, psychotics and suffering from depression, Capitol resorted to a 5-point treatment and management approach.
Starting off with regular check-up based on doctor’s orders, medication are facilitated albeit “whenever available” only. Provision of temporary areas for easier monitoring of the inmates was also made. And to top it all, outdoor fun with exercise and music therapy have been implemented.
It was not immediately clear though what type of music has been found to have soothing effect on the group.
Yet while at it, the IRC in providing the update also acknowledged “physical and mental deterioration” of the “psych” inmates. This, Gardose stated, was primarily due to lack of family support.
“Most of the psychiatric inmates lack family contacts. No emotional support from the family,” the report went. “Lack of financial support from their families thus affecting their compliance of daily/monthly medication.”
Of the 48 listed, one is a 56 year-old murder suspect diagnosed with Schizophrenia while two three are teeners, two of whom are homicide suspects and the other facing murder charge.
The youngest in the group are two18 year-olds while the oldest is a 65 year-old drug suspect also diagnosed to be Schizophrenic.