NAHARLAGUN, Nov 13: A consultative meeting on HIV and AIDS (prevention and control) Act 2017 was conducted today at Naharlagun. The meeting was held to discuss on the state specific rules to implement the Act passed by Parliament on 21st April 2017.

Attending the programme as the Resource Person, Dy. Director General of NACO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Dr Naresh Goel informed that the HIV&AIDS Bill 2014 passed by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and assented by the President of India was notified on e-gazette on 21st April, 2017 and came into force on September 10 this year.

Highlighting the objective of the Act, Dr. Goel said that it aims at addressing the stigma and discrimination to the disease thereby creating an enabling environment for enhancing access to services while safeguarding rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those affected by HIV. It also aims to provide free diagnostic facilities and antiretroviral therapy (ART) to PLHIVs and also to promote safe workplace in healthcare settings to prevent occupational exposure and strengthen system of grievance redressal.

Garima Sharma, Consultant NACO while explaining the gist of the Act, said that it needs to be enacted after going through formal procedure in every state within a given time frame of 180 days.

Director of Health Services, Dr. M. Lego while chairing the session, said that the Act is important and will help in removing the stigmatisation of PLHIV. Certain provisions may be added as per state specific requirement with regards to Ombudsman, he added.

The Project Director of APSACS, Dr. Riken Rina, in his speech said that the Act requires cooperation and inputs from all stakeholders to finalise the state specific rules for the Act.

Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority of Arunachal Pradesh, Budhi Habung stressed on the need of convergence activities between SLSA and APSACS for proper implementation of the Act. He also stressed on the need to disseminate the information to the masses.

SP Crime, Jimmy Chiram while participating in the discussion highlighted the role police can play in the implementation of the Act.

Director Medical Education, Dr K Khrimey, Director Family Welfare, Dr Kabang Lego, DD(IEC) APSACS Tashor Pali also spoke on the occasion.

Stakeholders from various departments and community based organizations took part in the meeting.