BJP enquires about ART stock
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 10, 2011:
Asking the Chief Minister whether the report that only two days stock of ART medicines given to HIV/AIDS patients is left is correct or not, BJP State unit president Sh Shantikumar demanded know the measures being taken up if the stock is indeed depleting.
Talking to mediapersons at the party office here today, Shantikumar said that it is very unfortunate that Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS), which is headed by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has not been able to provide required ART medicines to the HIV/AIDS patients in the State.
If the report given by the doctors in MACS that the existing stock of ART is only for two days is correct, the Chief Minister should take the people into confidence on the measures being taken up for ensuring adequate provisions of ART drugs in Manipur.
Charging the Government with negligence on the welfare measures for women and children, Shantikumar asserted that the Government has not been paying adequate attention towards their education and other due rights.
Secretary of BJP State unit and in-charge of media L Basanta pointed out that National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has already provided necessary fund to MACS for setting up one ART centre each at Bishnupur and Senapati district.
But sadly, the fund has not been able to utilised as the Chief Minister who is also the chairman of MACS has never taken up the issue for discussion and approval by the Cabinet.
The activities of MACS have also not been able to monitor properly after an IAS officer was given the charge of Project Director of MACS, Basanta said, while proposing that an experienced doctor should be given the charge for proper functioning of MACS.