Manipur: Soldier commit suicide after confirmed HIV infection

[Guest guest]

Soldier commit suicide

Imphal, Jan 3: An Army Jawan committed suicide due to shock after he was

confirmed with HIV infection yesterday evening at his battalion barrack in

Tamenglong district in Maipur. Courtesy: Imphal Free Press.

Cross posted from NEIHRNers

http://in./group/NEIHRNers/

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

In response to the posting " An Army Jawan committed suicide due to shock after

he was confirmed with HIV infection in Maipur. Two messages. [Moderator]

It will be useful to know if the soilder had access to pre test counselling and

what is the policy of Indian army with regard to testing for soilders. Do

soilders have access to pre and post test counselling and are principles of

informed choice and consent followed? What is the practice if a soilder tests

positive? Is confidentiality maintained?

I think a lot of unnecessary deaths this could have been prevented if

principles related to voluntary testing and counselling is follower.

Concerned

VJ Raj

E-mail: <vjscuk@...>

___________

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

This is in response to letter from Mr VJ Raj expressing concerns on the HIV/AIDS

program in the Armed Forces. I also hope that this clarifies to the audience

that the program run in the Armed Frces is on sound footing and in safe hands.

It entirely follows the guidelines issued by NACO in letter and spirit. The

program is run in a heiracrhial manner throught the country in all the 3

services - Army, Navy and Air force

Because of the varied service conditions, it is recognised and accepted that the

soldier is more likely to be prone to HIV exposure.

I am not in a position to comment on the death of the soldier in Manipur.

However, the reactions exhibited by an individual on being told of HIV status

are well known and acknowledged entity in such cases. This is (suicide), no

doubt, the extreme step.

The program in Armed Forces consists of preventive component, diagnostic and

treatment, VCTC and Blood Bank component. PPTC transmission component has also

been introduced recently to ensure that no pregnant lady goes into labour

without a HIV test. A multi disciplinary approach is adopted where in - public

health+pathologist+physicains are involved in management of a HIV positive

The armed forces offer the greatest challenge as far implementing and monitoring

this pgm is concerned because of the diversity and heterogeneity of the areas

and also the population. This is achieved at the peripheral most places where

IEC and prevention is the responsibilty of the Doctors specialised in the field

of Public Health (PSM).

The testing facility (ELISA) exisits in all amjor hospitals spread in the

country. The indiviual is confirmed at recognised centres after a positive

ELISA. He is subjected to pre & post counselling. And continued to be retained

in the Service till he develops complications / OI when he is boarded out of the

Army with full disability. Treatment is given to the individual as is necessary

and he is followed up monthly by a Med Officer and six monthly by a physician.

The individual is admitted in a service hospital on as required basis and there

is no discrimination in his management. The MOs and nursing staff do observe

universal precautions. All medicines are made available as required.

There is no discrimination of the individual in his unit or where ever the

individual is posted. Ofcourse during his period of HIV asymptomatic or HIV

symptomatic stage, he is given sheltered appointments and treatment as is

necessary. Confidentiality is ensured, however, it has been my experience that

the other fellow soldiers do come to know of the HIV status, but I have yet to

come across a soldier who has withdrawn from dealing with a HIV positive

soldier. This happy state of affairs is achieved through extensive IEC sessions

and focus gp discussion held extensively and repeatedly over the year.

The pgm is monitored at the highest level

Needless to add, the professionalism exhibited in implementing HIV pgm is of the

highest standard, much more that in other para military, police and other

central organisations. It needs to be emulated by NGOs and other organisations.

The success of the program is observed by the continued support by NACO

If any body has any specific questions, u are welcome.

Lt Col (Dr) HS Ratti

Specialist in PSM and Officer I/c of an HIV/IEC Node in one of the stations

with over 55,000 poulation.

E-mail: <rattiad1@...>