MS assures free investigation of AIDS patients
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 11 2012:
JNIMS, Medical Superintendent Dr Gopimohan has guaranteed free investigation of HIV/AIDS infected patients at the hospital as long as drug supply is uninterrupted and backup medicines are made available by the overhead authorities concerned such as NACO and MACS.
Dr Gopimohan was speaking at the inaugural function of 'Campaign for Education and ART Adherence of CLHA' organised by Paediatric Centre of Excellence, PCoE, Project Director MACS Dr SK Chowrasia, NE regional coordinator NACO Dr DJ Bora, Chandrajini, and Prof Dr Gopimohan graced the occasion as chief guest, guests of honour, and president respectively.
The keynote address accentuated the importance of education for children with HIV/AIDS just like other children.
Testifying inspirational success stories of HIV affected children who grew up to be great individuals securing exam positions, Government jobs besides maintaining great health, the main objective of the programme was to instil due enthusiasm for education among these minors.
The speakers assured that every child coming for their regular dose of ART at the hospital would be encouraged with a package of educational material.
The hospital also intends to integrate action plans with other departments in order to provide nutritional support.
This step is exclusive to the campaign and it has nothing to do with NACO instructed.
Medical tests and examinations such as LFT, ALT etc.
would be made available to investigate HIV/AIDS cases fundamentally.
They say, "Ask what we can do more for HIV affected children not what is done" .
Staff nurse Radharani narrated story of a young man inflicted with HIV through blood transfusion from his mother but never gave up hope and eventually went on to become a script writer for commercial films with already one movie on the big screen.
Another resource person, Ronika spoke about the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the RTE which is structured to provide free and compulsory education in Government schools without discrimination.
Enlightening more, she stated that 25 per cent reservation in private schools for the disadvantaged and weaker groups is ensured by the Supreme Court, a fundamental right which parents and guardians of such children should exploit.
A representative from a non-profit organisation dedicated to the service of HIV infected children, Carmel Jyoti Care Centre said "We are caring for them; they are happy living here but we are also facing from financial difficulties" .
UNICEF delegate, Arun verbalised that if aid schemes do not reach them, they have to reach the scheme, citing the importance of education in normalising the life of infected children.
Guests of honour, Chandrajini commented that infected individuals need not be embarrassed of their status and should learn to lead a normal life.
Dr Bora illustrated in clear cut statistics the increasing number of HIV patients due to drug abuse while HIV infection through CSWs and homosexual intercourse sources has declined or remained stable.
He added that NACO would do everything possible to deliver drugs without interruption.
He also warned that if ART is initiated, it must be continued forever.
Deepak Singh, a special invitee accused the Government of being discriminative as there is no fund directed especially to the cause of HIV afflicted children or women.
He added that when food, clothing, shelter and other basic amenities was not provided for, how would these children ever think seriously about education.
With over 38000 patients in the state, there is still no well-defined aid mechanism despite the promise of many in election manifestos, Deepak voiced.
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