Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Sep 02:
The concluding session of the two day State level 'Consultation on treatment access and Education on ARV Drugs' today agreed on ensuring access to free antiretroviral drugs (AVR) of atleast 15,000 HIV positive people in the State by 2010.Informing the development, Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) said delegates from across the State who participated in the consultation programme held at Hotel Nirmala prevailed upon MACS authorities to do the needful.
Consequently, recognising the need for positive networks to play a more active role in tandem with MACS, an 11 member committee comprising of district level representatives of MNP+, Nirvana Foundation and Kripa Society was set up to liaise and ensure better coordination with MACS in implementing the session's recommendation.
The workshop recommendations aimed at strengthening district level networks of HIV positive people and their contribution in ARV treatment and education stressed on expanding ART centres in all the districts/blocks, involvement of PLHA network for assessing training provided by MACS, ensuring sufficient availability of HIV/AIDS treatment medicines, free access to testing facility, development and dissemination of information education and communication (IEC), appointment/posting of necessary medical personnel in the ART centres, periodic awareness campaigns, training for capacity building of PLHA networks etc.
These recommendations would be discussed again with officials of MACS and NACO for its expeditious and productive implementation, informed the MNP+ release.
speaking at the session, general secretary of MNP+ cited stigma and discrimination as one of the factors preventing free access to ARVs and expressed keen desire for a comprehensive and integrated service under one roof.
A user of ARV drugs is informed to have said that many HIV positive people, particularly those who are illiterate, have problems in dosage and drug selection and referring to TB drugs provided under RNTCP suggested that colour coding or pill box with easy to understand directions would be enormous help to the needy.
An INP+ representative, Jahnabi Goswami mooted equipping HIV people constantly on the move with SMART card to assist them have easy access to ARVs at any centres.
Recommendations by other speakers include trained paediatrician for positive children, nutritional support through ART centres, reimbursement to those who buy ARV during drug shortage and more intimate sessions/advises by doctors/counsellors.