Now, Punjab police faces HIV scare

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Now, Punjab police faces HIV scare

9 Oct 2007, 0156 hrs IST,TNN

CHANDIGARH: Another bad news is on its way for Punjab police, which

is already battling drug addiction and alcoholism amidst its ranks,

especially in border districts.

After drugs and alcohol, it's the deadly AIDS which has started

taking a toll on Punjab police cops. While last year 24 cops were

found to be afflicted with HIV virus in Tarn Taran district alone,

this year four more cops have been tested positive, which has

prompted senior officers to describe the situation as alarming. The

cases were detected during the ongoing annual medical examination

camp being organised by Punjab police in Tarn Taran.

Confirming the detection , Tarn Taran SSP PK Rai told TOI that four

cops were found positive, out of 1,600 personnel who were examined.

Rai said the situation was worrying as last year out of 2,600 cops

examined, 24 were found to be carrying HIV virus, and this year the

number could increase. The SSP said, " It's a matter of great concern

and we are trying to spread awareness among cops. Besides holding

annual examination camps, we have decided to organise health camps on

a regular basis. "

Senior police officers said that cops who were found to be HIV+ were

being taken care of by the department and the cost of treatment was

being borne by the government. Officers said that besides unsafe sex,

one of the main reasons behind increasing HIV cases in the force

could be increasing drug abuse.

Officers said the department was also planning to launch a campaign

to educate cops. According to Rajesh Kumar, head, School of Public

Health, PGI, " In Punjab and in entire northern region HIV+ cases have

not seen an alarming growth in the last decade. But rising cases

among cops is a cause for worry and the situation demands immediate

preventive steps. "

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Now_Punjab_police_faces_HIV_scare/articleshow\

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