Health chiefs in Suffolk have invested an extra �1million to improve care for the prisoners, including inmates at Blundeston near Lowestoft.
NHS Suffolk have defended the sharp increase from �3.1m to �4.3m in the last year saying everyone is entitled to the same level of care.
Tracy Dowling, NHS Suffolk's director of strategic commissioning, said: 'There was real need for improvement in patient care in prisons.
'As a result of a review of the services we offered, and assessment of the health needs of prisoners, we have invested �1 million on services such as better access to dental care for patients, improved provision of prescribed medicines and new clinics.'
Critics have questioned why money was being invested to improve care for inmates instead of improving care for the elderly.
The prisons benefiting from the extra funding are Blundeston, Warren Hill, Hollesley Bay, Edmunds Hill, and Highpoint.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here