SC seeks govt response on plea for AIDS centres in all districts

The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centre’s response on a plea, seeking setting up of exclusive HIV/AIDS treatment centres in all districts and prisons of the country.

A Bench, headed by Justice JS Khehar, issued notice to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on a PIL, which also sought AIIMS-like institutes in every state and Union Territories for exclusive treatment of AIDS patients.

The plea filed by advocate Parmanand Katara sought directions from the court to avoid harassment and untouchability meted out to HIV positive patients by the public at large. “...direct the respondents to establish exclusive HIV/AIDS treatment centre/hospitals like the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, in every state, Union Territory and district to conduct tests and treatment of the patients by admitting them and avoiding harassment and untouchability by the public at large,” it said.

The petition further sought direction for setting up exclusive HIV positive and AIDS treatment centres or hospitals in central and district jails to treat inmates, convicts and undertrials throughout India.