Morung Express, 31 August 2014

'There is legal provision against discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients'

Mokokchung: In its endeavour to eradicate HIV/AIDS- related stigma and discrimination, the Network of Mokokchung District People Living with HIV/AIDS (NMP+) conducted a programme with the nursing students of Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) here on August 31 at IMDH Chapel Hall.

A press release from NMP+ Media Cell informed that NMP+ president T. Temsu Jamir sensitized the nurses and health workers on the scenario of HIV/AIDS in Mokokchung. Speaking strongly against stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS, Jamir challenged the nurses and IMDH to be the starting point in the fight against the same.

Meanwhile, former president of NMP+ Toshi Sangpi, while expressing deep regret at the discrimination meted out to people with HIV/AIDS, said there were instances of HIV/AIDS at IMDH and urged the nurses to deliver the best of services to all, whether People Living with HIV/AIDS or not.

Counsellor Vihaan NMP+, Peter Alley, who was the main resource person, further cautioned that there is legal provision against discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients. There is no comprehensive law in India to deal with the menace of HIV/AIDS and protect the people infected with the disease from discrimination and social stigma attached with it, however, Peter Alley said that the Constitution of India provides ample provisions for prosecution, if health workers, be it nurses or doctors, discriminate against any patient coming for medical care at health institutions.

The sensitization programme, sponsored by Bharti Infratel (Ltd), was part of the NMP+ campaign against stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS. The NMP+, according to the release, has more plans in the offing which will be disseminated to the public from time to time. "The NMP+, with the continued sponsorship of Bharti Infratel (Ltd) would continue to work for the cause in the Naga society," it asserted.

The programme was chaired by NMP+ Programme coordinator, Archila Jamir, while the Chaplin of IMDH, Wenyie invoked God's blessings. A question hour was also held where the nurses raised various questions regarding HIV/AIDS.

Source: Morung Express