Tripura Government To Provide Rs 2,000 Monthly Assistance To 2,183 HIV/AIDS Patients

AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Sunday that the Tripura government is providing a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,000 to support 2,183 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. 

He also stressed the critical role of public awareness in preventing the spread of the disease.

“It is necessary to organize more workshops and discussion groups, especially to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among the youth. Efforts should also focus on educating students about HIV/AIDS and intravenous drug use through Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges and universities,” he said.

During the state-level observance of World AIDS Day at Pragya Bhavan, CM Saha emphasized that individuals living with HIV have the right to enjoy life just like anyone else.

He underscored the importance of awareness and legal protections for those affected by HIV/AIDS, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting their rights and dignity.

“Therefore, if any discrimination is faced by HIV-infected individuals, action can be taken as per the law. Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) are operational in 24 hospitals across the state. Additionally, there are Facility Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (FICTCs) in 133 hospitals, three Targeted Intervention Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (TITCs), and a Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (MICTC) van functioning for HIV/AIDS awareness, counselling, and testing,” the Tripura CM said.

Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the position of state health minister, also announced the establishment of a Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) Centre at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital. This initiative aims to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mothers to their children, enhancing the state's efforts in combating the disease and ensuring better health outcomes for families affected by HIV/AIDS.

“This year, a total of 5,663 female sex workers, 978 homosexual individuals, 7,716 migrant workers, 3,804 truck drivers, 132 transgenders, and 8,748 intravenous drug users are being treated by 13 NGOs, 2 Link Worker Schemes, and 4 One-Stop Centres under the Tripura State AIDS Control Society. Furthermore, 18 additional satellite Opioid Substitution Therapy Centres are providing support to drug users in the state. Currently, the state government is offering a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,000 to 2,183 HIV/AIDS patients. Free HIV diagnostic tests are also conducted in remote areas of the state through Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre vans,” he added.

The event was attended by Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Tripura Health Services Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, and other senior officials.

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