DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Coming out with a plan to provide much needed handholding to the children infected and affected by HIV in the state, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to implement a major initiative to grant a monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1500 aid to children of HIV infected parents.

This was disclosed by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, while chairing the 1st meeting of the State Council on AIDS at Prayas Bhawan here, on Wednesday.

Dr. Balbir Singh shared that the State Council put forth a proposal to offer free transportation service for infected patients from their homes to the treatment facility? Anti-Retroviral Therapy Centre once a month. Additionally, they have planned to establish a task force to develop tailored programs for individuals living with HIV, aiming to enhance their employability and enable them to lead a dignified life.

He further added that the meeting agreed to authorise the acceptance of documents verified by the Medical Officer of the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Centre (ART Centre) for various social welfare schemes implemented by different departments. This decision aims to ensure that individuals affected by HIV do not encounter obstacles or discrimination when accessing the benefits of these welfare programs.

Dr. Balbir Singh directed the Industry and Labour departments to ask Industry establishments to implement the HIV/AIDS Policy, besides designating a complaint officer to address issues of stigma and discrimination in all industries with 100 or more employees. Additionally, all industries were urged to incorporate HIV prevention and welfare concerns for individuals living with HIV into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

While asking to organise HIV testing camps in the state, the Health Minister also directed the officials concerned to launch a mass-level Information, Education and Communication (IEC) drive across the state to raise awareness about the disease. He emphasised that people should be sensitised about prevention, care and support programmes.

The Health Minister categorically said that people living with HIV have the right to live a normal life and it's crucial for everyone to understand that HIV doesn't spread through touching, air or water. Transmission occurs through unprotected sex, sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment. He also highlighted that individuals with HIV who adhere to prescribed medication and achieve viral suppression can stay healthy and won't transmit the virus to others.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that all Panchayats can play a pivotal part by passing a resolution of 'No stigma and discriminations' towards people living with HIV in Gram Sabha meetings. He also emphasised to ensure IEC activities like installation of hoardings and wall painting in all Panchayat Bhawans.
(editor@dailyworld.in)