HC instructs to provide free clinical investigation to HIV patients
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27 2014 :
Responding to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case filed by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), the double bench of the High Court of Manipur with Chief Justice LK Mahapatra and Justice N Kotiswar Singh has instructed to Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Manipur to provide free clinical investigation to HIV patients within three months.
This was stated by the President of the CoNE RK Nolinikanta Singh while briefing media persons at his CoNE office.
Nolinikanta further mentioned that the health as well as the financial conditions of the HIV patients will be greatly improved if they have the facility of getting free clinical investigation and ART medicine.
Referring to NACO guideline, CoNE president told that HIV patients should have clinical investigation prior to consuming ART medication.
He also remarked that the HIV patients need regular health check up and necessary test.
During the media briefing, one lady living with HIV Landhoni Devi (name changed) communicated that HIV patients discontinue necessary ART medication in Manipur owing to unavailability of clinical investigation free of cost to the HIV patients.
She further expressed her concern that the Govt of Manipur should provide free clinical investigation people living with HIV under right to health care and right to life.