SHILLONG: Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, has raised concerns over the rise in high-risk cases of HIV/ AIDS in Meghalaya.
Speaking to media persons after inspecting the A.R.T Centre at Civil Hospital here on Thursday, Patel said though prevalence of the disease was not high in Meghalaya but the number of high-risk groups of AIDS patient is a cause for worry.
The Minister stressed on the need “for more care and support to create an enabling environment for those suffering from AIDS”. However, she appreciated the work of the A.R.T Centre and the implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme in the State.
“The fourth phase of the programme will now be implemented,” she said and added that more people should come for treatment despite the social stigma attached to the disease.
“There should be a holistic approach to the people affected by HIV/AIDS. The social stigma still exists in the country,” Patel said while addressing a gathering at a felicitation programme organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society here on Wednesday. The minister also inspected ICTC, CST and Suraksha Clinic at the hospital and congratulated the PLHIVs for their courage to come out and fight against the social stigma.
Authorities at the A.R.T Centre told the Minister that it needed another counsellor.
Patel felicitated V.F Bareh, senior skin specialist and in charge ICTC and STI, Civil Hospital Shillong, the A.R.T Plus Centre, Shillong, for ensuring free medical treatment to all the registered PLHIVs.
The minister also interacted with PLHIVs and Meghalaya Icon V winner ‘Dymbur’.
