SHRC sends suo moto notice to Aids society over fund crunch

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sent a suo moto notice to Maharashtra State Aids Control Society (MSACS) for shortage of funds for HIV treatment, irregular distribution of condoms, and lack of drugs at Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres in the state. SHRC has made these observations based on articles published in the media.
“We have sent a suo moto notice to MSACS by acting on reports published in the media. We are yet to receive any response, as it has been sent just a few days ago. In the past one year, we have taken up 52 cases under suo moto,” said Justice Bhannurmath, chairperson, SHRC.

City battles HIV drugs shortage

Around 40,000 HIV patients dependent on ART centres for treatment are at risk of missing their medication due to rising shortage in drugs The nationwide shortage of HIV drugs distributed at Anti retroviral Therapy (ART) cen tres has affected people in and around Ahmedabad too, with patients being turned away or given medicines for three days as opposed to the norm of six months. The reason, say experts, is National Aids Control Society's (NACO) delay in filing a tender for the supply of the medicine. The shortage, say doctors, is alarming because irregular consumption of medicines could lead to patients developing drug-resistant HIV.