CM stresses awareness, legal protection for HIV/ AIDS patients

Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday said that the state government is providing a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,000 to 2,183 HIV/AIDS patients in Tripura. He emphasized the importance of public awareness in preventing HIV/AIDS. 

“It is necessary to organize more workshops and discussion groups, especially to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among the youth. Efforts should also focus on educating students about HIV/AIDS and intravenous drug use through Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges and universities,” he said. 

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha made these remarks while addressing the state-level World AIDS Day observance at Pragya Bhavan today as the chief guest. 

The Chief Minister highlighted that HIV-infected individuals have the right to live like any other person. 

“Therefore, if any discrimination is faced by HIV-infected individuals, action can be taken as per the law. Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) are operational in 24 hospitals across the state. Additionally, there are Facility Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (FICTCs) in 133 hospitals, three Targeted Intervention Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (TITCs), and a Mobile Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (MICTC) van functioning for HIV/AIDS awareness, counseling, and testing,” Dr. Saha said. 

Dr Saha, who also serves as the state’s health minister, informed that a Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) Centre has been established at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. 

“This year, a total of 5,663 female sex workers, 978 homosexual individuals, 7,716 migrant workers, 3,804 truck drivers, 132 transgender, and 8,748 intravenous drug users are being treated by 13 NGOs, 2 Link Worker Schemes, and 4 One-Stop Centres under the Tripura State AIDS Control Society. Furthermore, 18 additional satellite Opioid Substitution Therapy Centres are providing support to drug users in the state. Currently, the state government is offering a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,000 to 2,183 HIV/AIDS patients. Free HIV diagnostic tests are also conducted in remote areas of the state through Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre vans,” he added. 

Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Health and Family Welfare Director Dr Anjan Das, Director of Tripura Health Services Dr Sanjib Debbarma, and other officials were present at the event.