Inmate dies of illness after three-month treatment

A Macau Prison inmate from mainland China has died of an illness after undergoing over three months of treatment in a local public hospital, as revealed by the prison Saturday. Due to issues with travel documentation, the man’s family members from the mainland were unable to visit him in person.
The 31 year-old man, surnamed Li, died on the evening of July 24 due to respiratory failure caused by spinal tuberculosis and pneumonia. The prison authorities cited the Conde S. Januário Hospital’s statement, saying that the definite cause of the man’s death has yet to be confirmed as the hospital has not yet issued his death certificate.
The inmate was detained in Macau Prison since March 18 for aggravated theft, damage, vehicle burglary, and identity theft. According to the prison doctor’s medical records, he had previously received surgery in the mainland last year for spinal trauma and fractured ribs, where a metal fixture was installed in his lumbar catheter. About one month before his detention, he had seen the doctor for the rupture of another wound.
The inmate was sent to the emergency clinic of Conde S. Januário Hospital on March 30 for the infection of a back wound as well as a fever. He was hospitalized for further observation. His illness had become aggravated since July 6 because of respiratory failure, which required the support of a ventilator.
“During the inmate’s treatment at the hospital, the prision had arranged social workers to visit and provide assistance, as well as to keep in touch with his relatives to inform them of his progression. However, his family members couldn’t come to visit him in person due to document issues,” stated Macau Prison, adding that the social workers are now assisting the family. BY