Imphal, September 02: To spread awareness on implication of unprotected sex and ensure easy availability of condoms and other contraceptives the 16 vending machines called Health Care Dispensers have been installed at 16 strategic locations within Imphal and other district headquarters.

The inauguration of the vending machines was formally held on September 1 at the office premises of Department of Family Welfare Services, BT Road with Director of Family Welfare Services Dr W Raghunath as the chief guest.

While the project is promoted by Department of Family Welfare Service, govt of Manipur the same is to be implemented under the auspices of Hindustan latex Limited with local NGO Manipuri Heritage Development Society, Imphal appointed to take care of day to day operations.

The Health Care dispenser HCD) project is being launched taking into account high prevalence of HIV/AID cases in Manipur as well as to encourage use of condoms for safe sex and curtail spread of the diseases.

In view of embarrassment faced by sexually active youths to buy condoms from known/crowded sales counter the vending machines under the project is initiated, said a press statement.

The electricity run with battery back-up vending machines vends condoms, contraceptives, health care products such as first aid kits, antiseptic ointments, cough lozenges and select nutritious refreshments at the insertion of required coins in the slot provided on the machine after selection of product category followed by pressing the menu button on the machine, further detailed the statement.

After singing an agreement with State Dept of Family Welfare Service the HCD project costing Rs 64 lakhs and 16 in number have been installed and operationalised at select locations in Imphal and other district headquarters, it added.

In Imphal areas the machines have been installed at near Mapal Kangjeibung, BT Road, RIMS gate, Lamphel Super Market, JN Hospital, Manipur University Gate, Kwakeithel Bazar, Tera bazar.

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