Set-up anti-discriminatory units: NACO

January 4, 2005

Set-up anti-discriminatory units: Naco

TIMES NEWS NETWORK [TUESDAY, JANUARY 04, 2005 06:22:27 PM ]

PUNE: In an attempt to respond faster to reported cases of

discrimination, the national aids control organisation (Naco) has

asked all state aids control societies to set up an

anti-discrimination unit.

While directives have already been issued to all the 38 aids control

societies in the states and union territories, a senior Naco official

said these units will also have elected representatives, along with

local NGOs working in this area.

" This strategy is a final build up towards making our response to

reported cases of stigma and discrimination, an institutionalised,

high powered and robust response, " said a Naco official.

While Maharashtra prominently figures among the states with high

incidence of medical discrimination, even in government run medical

set-ups, not to speak of private healthcare establishments (HCEs),

this new move is aimed at maintaining a strict vigil against those

cases of medical prejudices.

" Despite the national policy clearly ruling out any discrimination in

treatment of HIV patients, prejudices against those infected still

continues, " the Naco official said, however, adding that under this

new initiative, the anti-discrimination units are expected to

immediately investigate such cases, and take necessary action against

the erring hospitals and other medical units.

The Naco official said the units are also entrusted to encourage more

victims report incidents of stigma and discrimination.

It is not only doctors or other medical staff refusing medical

treatment, but the new initiative is also aimed at reporting cases of

breach of the confidentiality clause. " There have been cases where the

hospital staff have informed about the health status to family members

of the victim, " the official said.

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