Indian Express, 22 January 2014

HIV positive people and organisations working for their welfare, on Monday, demanded the tabling of HIV/AIDS Bill when Parliament reconvenes in the first week of February.

Members of the Chennai Network of Positive People expressed their anguish that the Bill, which has provisions to protect the rights of HIV positive people, has been pending with the government since 2006.

They said the Bill was listed among the Bills to be tabled in Rajya Sabha during the winter session of Parliament in December 2013, but Parliament adjourned sine die two days before the scheduled close. Hence, the Bill was still pending.

"This is the last and final opportunity. We want them to at least introduce it in Parliament. We are very disappointed that the government does not understand the problems of the HIV positive community, " said Daisy David of World Vision India.

She added that the Bill had several provisions that benefited HIV positive people, including non-discrimination provisions in both public and private sectors, child protection rights and property rights.

"I am an HIV positive person and my daughter is HIV negative. I have never been to any of her school functions only because, me being forthright about my health will affect my daughter's education," said Daisy.

Bhagyalakshmi, one of the members of the Network, said she lost her job after she disclosed that she was HIV positive. "Many do not reveal that they are HIV positive out of fear of losing their jobs," she said.

The members of the Network said that it was not just about jobs. "An HIV positive pregnant woman is denied treatment during delivery. There were cases when they were denied surgeries for hernia and piles. If not for the government, who will take care this community?" Daisy questioned.

Paari of the Chennai Network of Positive People, pointed out that the Bill has provisions for free and full treatment for every HIV-positive person. "Those who had been taking first line treatment, which had been offered since 2004 in the State, will now want to get second line treatment. This Bill will help them get it," he said.

They said at present, there were only four centres where second line treatment is being offered – Salem, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tambaram. The members feared that if the Bill was not tabled in Rajya Sabha during the tenure of the 14th Lok Sabha, it will have to go back to square one.

By Express News Service - CHENNAI

Source: Indian Express