Being a doctor in prison: Future prospects and ethical issues

As a consequence of the law passed on January 18th 1994, the responsibility of healthcare was transferred from the judicial system to the public health authorities. Since then, a medical team from a hospital unit offers healthcare to detained patients, after a first medical assessment upon arrival in detention. The healthcare provided is diverse with the aim of prioritising care for the more vulnerable patients, for example with anxiety issues, depression as well as somatic illness. The foundation of carceral medicine is based on equality: to guarantee access to healthcare for all with respect of medical confidentiality. Furthermore, continuity of care must be ensured by creating a link with healthcare professionals "outside"prison, e" prison, involved in the follow-up of a detained patient after her/his liberation. The latter being a crucial point to enhance the attractivity of carceral medicine. (c) 2024 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of l'Academie nationale de medecine.