Jailed doctor wins human rights award

The Global Health Council has awarded the prestigious Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights to a jailed doctor and activist.

Dr Binayak Sen, who is currently imprisoned in Raipur, was given the accolade for his years of service to poor and tribal communities in India.

He established a hospital to serve mine workers in the region and founded a human rights organisation that supported community health workers in 20 villages.

Dr Nils Daulaire, president of the Global Health Council, said: "Dr Sen's accomplishments speak volumes about what can be achieved in very poor areas when health practitioners are also committed community leaders.

"His good work needs to be recognised as a major contribution to India and to global health. He is certainly not a threat to state security."

Dr Sen has been held in prison for nearly a year without trial as a result of allegations that he violated state anti-terrorism laws.

The Jonathan Mann Award was established in 1999 to honour Dr Jonathan Mann and highlight the vital link between health and human rights.

It is awarded annually to the leading practitioner in health and human rights.