Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 12 2009:
The Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission programme opened at Obstetrics at Olstetrics and Gynaecology Department of RIMS has been severely crippled as only two councillors are working under the programme.
The PPTCT programme aimed at checking transmission of HIV from parents lo child is being taken up at 18 centres in State under the aegis of the Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS).
Of these 18 centres, RIMS has the largest facility/ infrastructure for child birth.
It is recommended all expecting mothers should undergo HIV tests along with their spouses once they are admitted to hospitals.
For this, councillors are needed to give counselling before and after undergoing HIV test.
But the number of patients admitted in RIMS in connection with delivery and two councillors working under MACS for PPTCT programme is quite in compatible.
Speaking to reporters in this connection today, RIMS PPTCT in-charge, Dr Indramani, said that 52 to 60 patients undergo HIV test daily on the average at the centre.
Saying that these patients need proper counselling be fore and after undergoing HIV tests.
Dr Indramani observed that the two councillors are facing great difficulties in counselling such incompatible number of patients.
For those tested HIV positive, it needs more time in giving necessary counselling, he noted.
Considering the number patients coming to RIMS for HIV tests, at least four councillors arc required at ihc PPTCT centre, he said.