The prison population is increasing and the health problems of prisoners are considerable. Prison is designed with
punishment, correction and rehabilitation to the community in mind and these goals may conflict with the aims of
health care. A literature review showed that the main issues in prison health care are mental health, substance abuse and
communicable diseases. Women prisoners and older prisoners have needs which are distinct from other prisoners.
Health promotion and the health of the community outside prisons are desirable aims of prison health care. The
delivery of effective health care to prisoners is dependent upon partnership between health and prison services and
telemedicine is one possible mode of delivery.