ART programme, a complete failure in State, says Community Network for Empowerment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 27 2023:
The Community Network for Empowerment (CONE) has dubbed Manipur State AIDS Control Society's (MSACS) ART programme a complete failure.
Addressing media persons at its Keishamthong Hodam Leirak Airport Road office of CONE, president RK Nalinikanta stated that frequent ART stock outs and shortage has not only crippled the noble initiative of the Government, but has also has made many of the people on ART, resistant to the drug they are consuming, thereby compelling them to switch their regimens.
Citing examples of the issues faced by people, Nalinikanta said that due to stock out and shortage of ARV drugs, people coming to get medicines at ART centres are provided medicines for a few days only (ranging from 3 to 12 days).
In addition, ARV drugs meant for paediatric use (30 mg) have been given to adults who are supposed to be provided with 300 mg on a regular basis.
Therefore, adults are compelled to take 10 pills per day, he informed.
"Despite NACO recommending a multi drug dispensing system across the country, Manipur is still not able to provide even a month's medication to patients while other states have started dispensing 3 months ARV medicines to patients", he lamented.
Further, he accused MSACS of completely ignoring the issue of shortage of drugs and added that if this system continues for long, people will have no option but to die ultimately.
Informing that ARV medicines are being dispensed for 15 days at ART centre RIMS while medicines for a maximum period of 12 days are being provided at JNIMS ART centre, Nalinikanta urged the Health Minister to intervene and take up necessary measures to solve the issue at the earliest and save people living with HIV.