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Equitable Healthcare Behind Bars: Challenges and Responsibilities for General Practitioners

Marloes MINNAARD and Martijn RUITEN

Working as a general practitioner (GP) in a prison environment entails distinctive challenges. Incarcerated individuals frequently present with complex health problems, including substance dependence, psychiatric disorders, intellectual disabilities, and chronic conditions. Delivering care is further complicated by restricted resources and the necessity of adhering to strict security measures.Effective prison healthcare requires continuous refinement of protocols and preventive strategies. Tailored guidelines must be implemented to ensure that medical services adequately respond to the distinct health profiles of inmates.Over time, prison healthcare in the Netherlands has developed into a structured, safe, and multifaceted system. A central aim is to strengthen preventive medicine and to establish guidelines that specifically address the unique needs of the prison population.GPs working in prisons must demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and a thorough understanding of legal and security frameworks. Inmate health literacy is often limited, and medical resources remain less extensive than those available in community settings, demanding innovative approaches to care.Illustrative case studies will be presented to highlight both the challenges and the opportunities inherent in prison healthcare.The overarching objective for GPs in prisons is to guarantee that the quality of care matches that provided outside prison walls. Despite systemic constraints, it is possible to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care. By acknowledging and addressing the specific healthcare needs of incarcerated populations, GPs can uphold standards of equity and continuity within correctional facilities.