Re: ART scale up meeting at Regional Institute of Medical Science Imphal

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends in GIPA Alliance & Forum

It is encouraging to see at that at least the civilv society is invited to a

meeting. What is not surprising is that according to the posting, I quote, " The

ARV drugs that is in receipt seems to

be of triple combination viz. Stavudine, lamivudine nevirapine

and zidovudine, lamivudine, Nevirapine along with some 50 slots for

effavirenz. " Now my concern is the transparency of the functioning of

the ART centre at RIMS.

I remember we were facing irregularity in the supply of medication for the

existing 200 or so who are on the list. Here are few questions that we need to

address before scaling up the whole thing.

1. What steps are in place to ensure that supply of medicines to the

beneficiaries are consistent?

2. Who would be responsible if these steps are not followed.

3. If the bottlenecks on the present disbursement systems are not

addressed, would it not create more harm to individuals who would be

enrolled afresh in the ARV disbursement programme. (Harm: in terms of

in adequate supply of Medication, improper supply chain management,

support systems)

4. Does the existing program need evaluation before expansion? can an

independent body do it? How can this be made possible?

5. Not only the criterion of the beneficiaries, but the capability of

the roll out centre should also be measured.

6. Proper supply chain management strategy should also be made before

the expansion of the program.

7. Component of Dietary and Nutritional support and guidance should

also be provided along side with the expansion.

I hope the concerns raised here in the previous posting and few added

on here are addressed before we make any expansion.

In solidarity,

E-mail: jon.lall@...