Apart from setting up ART Plus centres across the State, the government is ensuring that they will be better equipped to treat HIV affected persons who do not recover from first-line treatment, said Health Minister U.T. Khader.
Inaugurating a State-level workshop for mediapersons on ‘Role of media in prevention of HIV/AIDS’ organised by the Department of Health, Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society, and other organisations on Monday, he said ART Plus centres would soon be established at Kollegal, Sira and Sirsi.
“Of the 2.68 lakh HIV affected patients in the State, 1.18 lakh are availing treatment in these centres,” he said.
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Mr. Khader said a Bill on HIV is before the Parliamentary Standing Committee headed by Congress leader Oscar Fernandes.
“It was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Once it becomes an Act, HIV affected persons will have the right to live with dignity.”