Correctional Health Care in India: A Narrative Review on Contemporary Penal Practices and Institutional Challenges

India's prison system has long been challenged for its administrative, rehabilitative, and structural issues. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the status of the prison system and identify the challenges in correctional reform. This study employed a narrative review and qualitative analysis of articles from the Scopus database published between 2020 and 2025. This study employed the TCCM framework to gain an in-depth understanding of scholarly articles in the field. A total of 18 articles were selected for the narrative review and further analysis. A major challenge has been identified: repressive institutional cultural practices that valued control and order over compassionate treatment and care are sustained by its colonial heritage. Moreover, the humanitarian understanding of progressive and inclusive reformation and social rehabilitation has been underdeveloped. The findings underscore the need to integrate prison health services with the public health system.