Sick inmates from Beni Central Prison now have access to a dedicated healthcare facility within the Beni General Referral Hospital in North Kivu. A secure pavilion, built with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, May 26.
Constructed as part of a quick-impact project funded with 50,000 US dollars, the facility was implemented through the Prison Administration Support Section of the MONUSCO office in Beni. With a capacity of 23 beds, the pavilion includes two separate units — one for men and another for women — and is equipped with beds, mattresses, blankets, and adapted sanitation facilities.
Secure healthcare services
The commissioning of this pavilion addresses a long-standing challenge related to the medical care of sick inmates. Their transfer to the general hospital previously required complex security arrangements that were not always practical.
Judicial authorities welcomed the construction of this dedicated pavilion for inmates, noting that it would help resolve many of these issues.
“We had a real problem in managing inmates transferred to the hospital. They were mixed with other patients, which complicated treatment, monitoring, and security. Today, with this separate pavilion for men and women, many of these difficulties will be resolved,” said Patrick Mukendi, Head of the Justice Division in North Kivu.
“Inmates will now have access to appropriate healthcare in safer and more humane conditions,” he added.
Improving healthcare while respecting human dignity
For prison health authorities, this infrastructure represents significant progress toward more organized care that meets accepted standards.
“This building makes it possible to provide humane and dignified healthcare for inmates. It also meets required standards because it is secure and suitable for the proper treatment of sick detainees. We are very pleased to have this building constructed by MONUSCO,” emphasized Dr. Jérémie Muhindo, Medical Director of the Beni General Referral Hospital.
Beyond its healthcare impact, the project also serves as an important tool for strengthening security and prison management. In particular, it helps reduce escape risks during transfers, improve detention conditions, and lower mortality rates in prisons.
Beni Central Prison is one of the 12 pilot prisons targeted by MONUSCO for substantial support. For several years, the Mission has carried out concrete initiatives to improve detention conditions, including:
• Construction of a perimeter wall to strengthen the security of inmates and staff
• Free medical consultations, treatment, and donations of medicines
• Donations of fire extinguishers, mattresses, and hygiene kits for female inmates
• Awareness campaigns on personal hygiene and the prevention of certain diseases (cancer, sexually transmitted infections, etc.)
• Installation of surveillance cameras to reinforce security
• Construction and equipping of an infirmary
• Installation of solar panels in the women’s section
• Various training programs for inmates and prison staff
In a context marked by persistent challenges in providing medical care in correctional facilities, MONUSCO’s support is part of a broader approach aimed at strengthening local capacities, promoting human rights, and supporting stabilization efforts in North Kivu Province.
Martial Mukeba wa Mukeba & Jean-Tobie Okala
