Tuesday, December 27, 2011

HIV+ patients on rise in Kalahandi

The Pioneer, Dec 27, 2011

The number of HIV+ patients is on the rise in Kalahandi district. As per the available information, 356 patients with AIDS are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the district while an unofficial assessment puts the figure at over 1,000. Sources said most patients are found in 13 blocks and three urban towns of the district. Basically, migrating labourers from outside the State are bringing the virus. The number of migrating labourers in the district has risen up to 1,500.
As per a health department report, out of 356 AIDS affected patients, 35 have already died and now seven women and 10 children are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital. For detection of AIDS and preventive health measure, integrated AIDS examination centres have been opened at Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Dharamgarh.
Sources informed from 2006 to 2011, 14,208 AIDS patients have been detected in the district and given counselling. Out of them, the blood samples of 10,988 patients had been examined at Bhawanipatna district headquarters hospital and 236 patients were detected as HIV positive.

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