Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 18, 2010:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has stated that the SPF Government would consider opening rehabilitation centres in all districts of the State so that people living with HIV/AIDS can work together and excel in different fields after giving them vocational training.
The Chief Minister was speaking as chief guest at the 5th convention on HIV/AIDS held today at Wangbal community hall under the aegis of the Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS (MLFA).
Ibobi noted that the issue of HIV/AIDS has compounded the woes of Manipur which has been already facing all kinds of issues besides being backward in multiple aspects.
Sensing the need to combat the issue of HIV/AIDS together with public leaders and the Government, the MLFA was constituted with representatives of all the sixty constituencies.
He further called upon all the people to share due responsibility in eradicating HIV from the soil of Manipur.
While it is a matter of pride that Manipur finds its name at the international level in culture and sports, it is equally shameful that the tiny State with its little population is also known for high HIV infection rate, Ibobi remarked.
Nevertheless, no one should discriminate people living with HIV/AIDS rather they should be treated with love and care.
Stating that the State Government has been seriously studying various welfare schemes which can be taken up for hapless young widows who are financially very unsound, the Chief Minister sought public support to any such schemes launched by the Government so that the hapless women do not take wrong paths.
Today's convention was also attended by Health Minister Ph Parijat, MLAs E Dwijamani, Dr I Ibohalbi, Dr Ng Bijoy, Y Surchandra, M Okendro, M Hemanta, O Landhoni, K Meghachandra and Dr U Deben.
NPM joint secretary S Thoibi, MACS project director PK Jha and JNIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Priyokumar spoke at the convention as resource persons.
Today's meet was the fifth consitituency level convention.