Legal Aid cell in Chennai

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

A consultation of lawyers in response to HIV/AIDS crisis was held at Erode on

14th June 2003. This was the second meeting followed by the first at Chennai on

08/03/2003 at Hotel Breeze. To involve more and more lawyers it was decided to

conduct the consultation for lawyers of other districts. Mrs. Rathna Tara,

TNSACS Legal Advisor was invited as a resource person.

The aim of the lawyers advocacy program is to sensitize the lawyer community

and encourage them to help and support PLWHAs and their family members.

The group was briefed about the HIV/AIDS and the legal and human rights problem

faced by the people infected and affected by the epidemic. Mrs. Rathna Tara

spoke on legal aspects of HIV/AIDS including the cases represented by her on

behalf of PLWHAs and also the activity of TNSACS. It was decided to form

collective forum for Erode and Mrs. Rathna Tara will be the Convenor.

The main issue which was discussed was denial of insurance cover for PLWHAs by

the insurance agencies. The forum has decided to take up the issue with the

policy makers to provide insurance cover for PLWHAs.

Please note the district level consultation for other district will be conducted

in coming month. The one at Salem and Tiruvannamalai will be held on July

first week andend of July. A legal Aid cell has been opened at AIDS Desk

office. The team members are as follows: -

1. Mrs.Rathana Thara. M.A., M.L.

2. Mrs.Barabara Lydia,

3. Mr.VijayaKumar, B.A, B.L

Those PLWHAS who are in need of legal advise kindly contact the above address

All those who are interested to attend kindly contact: -

AIDS Desk. NLHMB

# Purasawalkam High Road,

s, Chennai – 600 010

Phone: 26480933 / 26432454

Fax: 26431144

E-mail: guruclin@...