In all women prisons and correctional institutions, health care delivery is implemented through the prison hospital and medical officer deputed from the Indian Medical Service under the auspices of the District Medical Officer. It falls under the administrative control of the prison superintendent. This setup ensures the female inmates accessibility to the headquarters hospital and referrals to specialists. However, improvements are needed in specialists visits to the institutions about once a week and easier referrals for other specialty areas. In addition to availability of medical assistance, the general health care programs in women's prison provide sanitary and disposal facilities, safe drinking water, clean and nutritive food, and educational and recreational programs. The care of expectant mothers and children, psychological and psychiatric care, and identification and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS is also addressed. 3 references