Bhubaneswar: An undertrial prisoner (UTP) died at Capital Hospital here on Sunday after experiencing severe drug withdrawal symptomsat Jharpada special jail late Saturday night.The deceased inmate Mohan Behera (40), who was arrested on May 8 in connection with an illicit liquor sale case in Jatni area here, was known to be a habitual drug user, police sources said.Following the rejection of his bail application, Behera was remanded in judicial custody on Thursday night.He reportedly developed severe withdrawal symptoms around 12.10 am (intervening night of Saturday and Sunday) and was rushed to Capital Hospital, where he died at 1.15 am during treatment, jail sources said.A doctor at the hospital attributed his death to decreased oxygen saturation levels and fall in blood pressure.”The prisoner started shivering at night. When asked, he revealed his daily dependence on liquor and ganja. Our facility maintains strict protocols preventing drug entry and circulation on the premises. These stringent anti-drug measures might have affected his health condition,” said jail’s senior superintendent Manoranjan Pratihari. He said that Behera was immediately taken to Capital Hospital.The incident has highlighted concerns regarding the care of drug addict inmates in correctional facilities. TheOdisha prisons directorate has acknowledged that jails in state lack proper facilities for treating drug addicts.”We only provide basic healthcare services at our small medical facilities inside the jails. Dedicated drug rehabilitation facilitiesare unavailable in jails. Such cases are referred to external hospitals following established procedures,” explained a jail officer.Drug rehabilitation specialist Shisir Kumar Das emphasised the importance of prompt medical attention for prisoner who are addicts. “Without proper management, withdrawal symptoms can prove fatal. Correctional facilities require appropriate medical protocols for such situations.The treatment should include initial withdrawal management, detoxification, behavioural therapy and necessary medication,” Das explained.Professor Suvendu Mishra, a psychiatrist at a tertiary care centre treating withdrawal patients, stresses the necessity of qualified medical personnel in prisons and rehabilitation centres.”Drug withdrawal requires careful treatment and observation. Using pharmacological interventions such as benzodiazepines with monitored vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, among others) can prevent serious complications including cold turkey, seizures (fits) and death,” Mishra said.He added, “The govt should ensure that every jail has regular visits by de-addiction specialists, supply of essential medicines, and clear guidelines for safe withdrawal management.”