Demonstration campaign for PLHIV held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2013 : With an aim to ensure effective implementation of basic health services, entitlements and schemes for PLHIV in Manipur, a one day demonstration campaign cum public meeting was organised by Women Action for Development (WAD) and its partner organisations Platform for Positive Women, Kshetrigao; Christian Network of Positive Women, Manipur; and Survivors' Group (infected and affected) at Thambalkhong Community Hall, Kshetrigao, Imphal East today.

A press release of WAD said, a demonstration rally started from Naharup Thong, Kshetrigao was flagged off by Farooque Chisti, Pradhan of Kshetrigao-II.

Altogether 450 infected and affected people participated in the programme.

Rakesh Meihoubam, Human Rights Law Network; Nilakanta Singh, Ekta Parishad Member, Manipur; Nishikanta Singh, Ekta Parishad National Member; RK Nolini Kanta, President CoNE; Ima Zano, President Meira Paibi Kshetrigao; Sitara Begum, Secretary Kshetri Chandam Leikai Women's Welfare Assn; and Sobita Mangsatabam, Secretary WAD addressed the public meeting today, the release stated.

It also said, during the meeting, Shilla Begum, Publicity Secretary PPW and Lushi Anal, President Chandel Network of Positive Women presented their experiences in accessing basic health services and other schemes/benefits (ineffective).

A memorandum with six charter of demand was also submitted to Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India as well as copy to concern Ministry and other Ministers.

The demands in the memorandum were, implement the Revised Drafted Manipur State AIDS policy 2010, expedite the drafting process and implement the Manipur State drug policy, develop infrastructure and facilities at every ART centre, ensure and expedite PLHA schemes and benefits, provide free laboratory (periodical) examination for every PLHA, provide OI medicines free of cost and accessible to all the Govt health centres, improve and ensure CD4 count machines and accessible at every ART centres, the release added.

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