SHRI inaugurates ART Centre in collaboration with MACS
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 15 2025: Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI), in partnership with the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre to provide comprehensive care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PTHIV) in the state.

The inauguration, held on Wednesday, marks a significant step toward enhancing accessible treatment and support for HIV/AIDS patients in the state.

According to a statement issued by Shija Hospitals, the ceremony was attended by MACS project director Haobam Rosita as the chief guest, and Shija Hospitals senior physician Dr M Kulachandra as the guest of honour.

Shija Hospitals chairman and managing director Dr Palin Khundongbam presided over the function.

SHRI inaugurates ART Centre in collaboration with MACS

In his welcome speech, MACS deputy director (CST) Dr S Jupitar emphasised the importance of the collaboration between Shija Hospitals and MACS in combating HIV/AIDS.

A key highlight of the event was the personal testimony of one Deepak Tangpoklakpam, a PTHIV, who shared his recovery story and stressed the significance of accessible care.

Meanwhile, Dr Haobam Rosita emphasised that establishing ART Centres in private hospitals will significantly enhance access to essential therapy for PTHIVs.

Highlighting the National AIDS Control Organisation's (NACO) Sustainable Development Goal of "PTHIVs Know Your Status'", she noted that Manipur is currently ranked on the lower side in achieving this goal.

According to NACO's estimates up to 2023, the state ranks third in adult HIV prevalence and has 24,437 PTHIVs.

Of this, around 14,000 individuals are receiving regular ART by registering at ART Centres, leaving a gap of approximately 10,000 PTHIVs who are not accessing the therapy.

She stressed the urgent need for further outreach efforts to bridge this gap and ensure treatment reaches all affected individuals.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Palin Khundongbam expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the ART Centre at Shija Hospitals.

He acknowledged that Manipur dropping to the third rank in adult prevalence rate reflects progress, but underscored that the gap of 10,000 PTHIVs without access to ART remains a significant challenge for the state.

Dr Palin highlighted the critical importance of reaching out to these individuals and integrating them into the therapy framework to address the issue comprehensively.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shija Academy of Health Sciences and MACS, further solidifying their commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.

The newly established ART Centre will provide critical antiretroviral therapy, which suppresses the viral load and prevents the progression to AIDS.

Shija Hospitals reiterated its dedication to supporting PLHIV and improving their quality of life through this initiative.