Re: Save PLHA from false treatment promises

December 20, 2007

Dear all,

This is in response to Dr. Nirmala's mail. She has rightly shown her concern

regarding the the mal-practice by many people leading to total confusion of the

victim who somehow wants to get " cured " .

The government should make use of media and send the right messege on this

particular issue. In Mumbai local trains, state transport buses such rubbish

advertisements can be read which claim to " cure " HIV-AIDS.

Somehow, these avertisements have a great impact on the some patients who want

to avoid centers where proper dignosis, couseling and then provision of ART is

done in a step by step fashion. According to them the " long process " of getting

treatment can be bypssed if one avoids such centers. There is a lot of rush at

such centers. At least one responsible person is required to be present with the

PLHA at least in the initial few visits for obvious reasons. And after all this

trouble the doctors never talk of " cure "

On the other hand, these naturopaths " charge " but at least " promise " to cure.

Plus there is no long queue. Many a times drugs are " home " delivered.

Cofidentiality is maintained. These are the areas well studied by the

false-claiming naturopaths and they exploit the victims.

The above views are expressed commonly by the PLHAs and their relatives who

later on realise the mistake and reach the ART centers.

How such wrong advertisement can be allowed in the government run buses and

trains?There are many newspapers also publishing such ads and are being totally

acting irresponsible.

What to say? THIS HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA...

Dr. Divya Mithel,

Jyothis care center, Kalamboli,

Maharashtra

e-mail: <d_mithel@...>

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