HIV/AIDS Doctors Forum in Kerala

[Guest guest]

For the first time in Kerala On 14th December 2003 a meet of doctors interested

in treating HIV was conducted at Thrissur. It was organized by Dr. Ajith Kumar

and Dr S.I.Rajan. Twenty six doctors from various parts of Kerala who are

interested and involved in providing treatment to HIV infected individuals

attended the meeting. In the introductory remarks Dr. Ajith Kumar, mentioned the

motive for the meet, as the HIV is becoming a multi specialty it was thought

necessary that there must be a forum to meet of those people working in same

line.

The ultimate objective is to know the epidemic better, problems of HIV treatment

and to share the experience about treating HIV. Dr. S.I. Rajan, talked about the

“Dynamics of Migration in Kerala”. He mentioned that migration prevalence rate

is 60 migrants over 100 households in Kerala. We have something like 7.39 lakhs

return emigrants through out Kerala.There are 1.36 million people-who are born

in Kerala now living in gulf countries. In some districts like Pathanamthitta,

Malappuram and Thrissur the migration rates is higher than the Kerala rate.

In Thrissur where HIV infection rate as well as suicide rate is very high. At

taluk level Rani taluk leads in migration level. Malappuram, Pathannamtitta and

Thrissur –District have large number of return migrants. If we read this

migration data along with the scenario of HIV looking at the statistics, after

visiting three rehabilitation centers for AIDS in Kerala and talking with people

we get interesting results. When we look at NACO map dealing with HIV/AIDS, we

can see Kerala surrounded by states with high prevalence of HIV. At present

there are no programs to train migrants. He suggested that the migrants should

be given some training before they leave the state.

The doctors generally agreed upon the need for a forum of doctors involved in

the care of HIV infected individuals and a sub committee was formed to plan and

organize further activities of the forum. They discussed the various aspects of

HIV care in Kerala. Speakers mentioned that majority of patients on Kerala are

still returning emigrants and their spouses and children . It is suggested that

there should be some steps to provide information to the migrants before they

leave the state. They are of the opinion that it is time to give more importance

to the treatment aspect of HIV disease and to stop NO CURE propaganda. HIV is

another disease like any other disease and it is treatable like any other

chronic disease.

Doctors also expressed concern over the practicality of counseling in busy out

patient department and that ambiguity regarding issues like confidentiality.

There was concern raised by doctors regarding the risk of HIV infection during

their work and the lack of provisions for Universal precautions.

Some speakers highlighted the ineffective way the AIDS Day being observed by the

government and how miserably we failed in providing treatment for PLHAS.

Concerns were raised regarding the importance given for IEC activities when

there is practically no provision for treatment.

Specialists also raised question regarding the viability of ART programs in the

virtual absence of a program with definite protocol, provisions for regular

supply of medications, regular monitoring, and trained doctors. They also

mentioned the multidisciplinary approach to be adopted in HIV care and problems

faced by specialists in various situations.

Dr.Ajithkumar.K

Department Of Dermatology

MCCH; MG Kav

Thrissur Kerala India

E-mail: <trc_ajisudha@...>