Indian parliament passes ‘HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) bill’
Bringing a revolutionary change in the health sector of our country, the Indian parliament has cleared the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) bill, 2017.The bill aims to wipe out all discriminations faced by the people living with or affected by HIV. The areas in which the discrimination is extensively practised are medical treatment, education and job. So, identifying this reality, the bill makes sure that those affected or living with HIV get the right to medical treatment and the right to admission in educational institutions and jobs. Noteworthy, no one opposed the bill when it was presented in the parliament’s Lok Sabha. Thus, it was a unanimous decision to clear the bill. It is an admiring fact that our country committedly executes the second largest Anti-Retroviral Therapy. Emphasising this reality, the Health Minister, J P Nadda, assures that the government will continue this free treatment program with at most commitment. With the passage of the bill, anyone who tries to discriminate those affected or living with HIV will face penalties and civil and criminal cases. Experts say that the bill has all relevant provisions to liberate the people living with or affected by HIV. Hereafter, no one can deprive them of using public spaces such as restaurants, toilets, entertainment spots, parks, recreation spots and even burial grounds, holding any kind of property, and accessing jobs, education, insurance and freedom of movement, they added. Recognising the historical achievement that India has gained through an admirable bill, the UNAIDS representative acknowledges that India has marked a significant achievement. With our country’s persistent effort, we have achieved a commendable reduction in the rate of new HIV patients and AIDS-related death cases. It is hoped that India’s achievements will prompt other countries in the South Asian region to adopt similar policies to tackle the HIV virus and AIDS disease.
Vignesh
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