Conduct rigorous test among college-goers to detect HIV cases: Tripura CM to health department

AGARTALA:

The Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, on December 1, directed the health officials to conduct test among the college-goers as the number of HIV-positive cases are higher among them due to injectable drugs.

Deb, in his address at an event held to observe the World AIDS Day in the state, said that he arrived at the decision after going through data compiled by the State AIDS Control Society and discussing it with officials.  

“The health and family welfare department, if they feel necessary, should test each and every student of the colleges. Unfortunately, most cases are being detected among college-going students of the state,” Deb said.

The chief minister also said that the cabinet ministers are already mulling over a national standard institution in Tripura to provide better medical services to HIV-positive people.

“The state government has been keeping a close watch on the recent HIV statistics. Necessary instructions have been given to provide appropriate medical services through early detection of the infected. In this case, volunteer organisations, including NSS, can be involved,” CM Deb said.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials of the department to conduct rigorous tests wherever abnormal infection rates are found.

In addition to treatment, Deb also emphasised on the need to end the stigma associated with HIV, stating that women should play a lead the way in keeping the youth off drugs.

“The state must continue its efforts to prevent AIDS; the same way how we dealt with child mortality and coronavirus,” Deb said.

The Chief Minister also called upon people from all sections of the society to come forward and help in curbing this menace.

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