Lutsenko returned to Mena penal colony, prison service says no grounds for inpatient treatment
Former Ukrainian Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko on Thursday was returned to Mena Penal Colony due to the absence of any grounds for inpatient treatment, the press office of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine reported on Thursday.
"In accordance with the findings of a medical commission, due to the absence of any grounds regarding inpatient treatment, as well as due to his refusal to undergo medical procedures (which are not mandatory and are performed in a planned manner at the request of the patient), today Lutsenko was returned to the Mena penal colony . If the convict expresses the desire to undergo the procedures proposed by doctors, he will be delivered to Chernihiv Regional Hospital for this purpose," the service said.
The service noted that over the last four days, Lutsenko had undergone a comprehensive medical examination in Chernihiv Regional Hospital.
"According to the findings of doctors, following the examinations conducted, the health of the convict was found to be satisfactory, and there has been improvement compared to the previous examination," reads the statement.
The service also said that doctors from Chernihiv Regional Hospital had provided their recommendations for Lutsenko's further medical treatment, which, if he agrees, will be fulfilled by the medical staff of the Mena penal colony.
"We also state that the convict has refused a recommendation related to surgery," reads the statement.
As reported, on December 3, Lutsenko was transferred from Mena Penal Colony to Chernihiv Regional Hospital for an examination.
On December 5, media reported, citing sources, that doctors had found a polyp in the intestine of the former minister during his examination in Chernihiv Regional Hospital.
The ex-minister's wife, Iryna Lutsenko, said she was planning to consult with independent Ukrainian doctors within two or three days regarding the need for her husband to undergo surgery.