RE:NACO: A paradigm shift in Indian HIV/AIDS

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

I feel while discussing on provision of ARV to HIV positive patients in India,

we are dealing with two issues - First whether or not to provide ARV and second

the mode The answer to first part is clear and most of us would agree that there

should be a provision for ARVs Second is the difficult part. The apprehensions

expressed by some of the members over the regime to be followed etc. appear

justified.

Taking the same example as everybody else - The TB control programme. Why after

decades of availability of effective antibiotics, the TB problem could not be

controlled and why is DOTS a successful strategy? This is because we did not

have a standard methodology for diagnosis and treatment earlier.

The doctors used their own 'cocktail' regimen - one of the prime reasons why MDR

is now an issue. Treatment of MDR at indivisual levels is still difficult to

afford in most cases. The gaps of the earlier strategy are filled in by DOTS.

Standardised classification and treatment have not only led to improved cure

rates but also decreased appearance of MDR cases.

There is a definite amount of training/ sensitisation required for sucessful

implementation of any programme. Seems diificult, but is necessary - for

awareness generation, motivation and to dispel any doubts.

Considering all this I feel there should be definite regimen of ARV drugs for

tretament of HIV patients. This should be widely disseminated to medical

fraternity and all ifs and buts sorted out rather than jumping into a situation

where nobody is sure what to do

Regards

Vineet Bhatia

E-mail: <bhatiav@...>