The Senegalese National Assembly has introduced Proposition de loi n°39/2026, which aims to ensure that people in detention have access to healthcare. The bill, submitted by four deputies, establishes principles and rules for the medical care of individuals deprived of their liberty. It seeks to address inequalities in access to healthcare in prisons, based on international and constitutional commitments. The bill outlines the need for a specific legal framework for prison medicine.
The proposed law requires prison authorities to provide medical services with necessary resources and guarantees continuity of care and professional independence for medical personnel in prisons. It also emphasizes the need for adapted psychiatric care for inmates with mental health issues, with the possibility of referral to specialized structures if necessary. Additionally, the bill ensures medical confidentiality for inmates, allowing consultations without the presence of guards, except when security is a concern.
To finance the public costs associated with implementing this law, a 0.2% additional contribution is proposed on the tax bases of articles 212 quater and 212 quinquies of the General Tax Code. This measure aims to ensure that the state provides adequate financial support for the healthcare needs of inmates. The bill also authorizes regulatory authorities to define the modalities of organization for prison healthcare.
The introduction of this bill is part of a broader effort to address various issues in Senegal, as evidenced by several other proposals and reports published by the National Assembly. These include proposals for investigations into irregular sales of state-owned buildings, land management irregularities, fishing licenses, and tax exemptions. The Assembly has also considered a bill to modify Article 37 of the Constitution regarding the declaration of the President's assets.
The proposed law on prison healthcare is built on several key pillars. Firstly, it aims to correct inequalities in access to healthcare for inmates. Secondly, it seeks to guarantee medical confidentiality and professional independence for healthcare providers in prisons. Finally, it emphasizes the need for adapted care, particularly for inmates with mental health issues.
The bill's consideration comes at a time when the Senegalese government is focusing on improving various aspects of public life. The National Assembly has been actively involved in examining several proposals aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in different sectors. The proposed law on prison healthcare is part of these efforts, reflecting a broader commitment to reform.
The PDF document of the bill, which is 2.0 MB in size, was published on September 30, 2026, and is available for review. This bill is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues in Senegal, including the management of public resources, land governance, and the oversight of various sectors such as fishing.
Key points
- The bill proposes a 0.2% additional tax contribution to finance public costs associated with prison healthcare.
- The proposed law guarantees medical confidentiality for inmates and ensures professional independence for medical personnel in prisons.
- The bill requires prisons to have medical services with necessary resources and adapted psychiatric care for inmates with mental health issues.
