24 hour helpline for PEP for HIV

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Dear All

FOGSI-NATIONAL-HIV-PEP-HOTLINE

HIV PEP HELPLINE NO. 999-71-77-999

FOGSI – Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecological Societies of India – was formed in 1936 with an aim to impart continuous education to Gynaecologists & Promote research in the field of OBGYN. Not only an academic face this organization promotes services for betterment of Health of the Community, Maternal and Child Health & treatment of disorders rotated to practice of OBGYN. The Federation has 202 Societies with 24,000 members spread over the length and breadth of this vast Country with 27 FOGSI – Committees, with a head office at Mumbai. FOGSI is instrumental in taking up many problems women face with the basic idea to improve maternal health. A healthy woman leads to a healthy family & healthy Nation.

FOGSI now announces opening of a 24 hours telephone helpline to offer consultation to members of Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecology Society and other health care personnel for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) following exposure to HIV with Nirmal Medical Foundation, a registered charitable trust working in field of HIV/AIDS.

Why this hotline?

Universal work precaution that is preventing exposure to HIV is by far the most effective mechanism of preventing infection in community and occupational settings. However when exposure does occur, administration of antiretroviral agents for secondary prevention may be appropriate. Although Health Care Personnel (HCP) is normally at a very low risk of acquiring HIV infection during management of an HIV infected patient. However, the absence of effective-curative treatment following an accidental occupational exposure makes the health care personnel apprehensive.

Exposure to HIV in health care settings is a very important issue for FOGSI members as they are dealing with potential infectious fluids and materials in their practice on daily basis. Also PEP for HIV is a real emergency as it should be started immediately in fact ideally within 2 hours of exposure. Exposure to HIV can be a critical issue in case of FOGSI members who have to attend so many emergencies and procedures involving contact with potentially infectious blood and other body fluids round the clock so an exposure to HIV can occur at any time of day.

The subject of PEP is complex. Some of the vital issues dealing with transmission of HIV to HCP are: How much is the risk? What factors influence this risk? How to reduce the risk? Assessment and reporting of exposure incident and counseling of exposed person. Clinical evaluation and pertinent laboratory tests of source patient and exposed personnel. How to select an appropriate chemoprophylaxis regime? Toxicities of antiretroviral agents selected for prophylaxis and their management. Issues related to adherence of regimen and follow of exposed person.

Whenever any post exposure prophylaxis is advised all these issues should be taken into perspective and an expert on PEP should be consulted.

So an expert consultation available through hotline will be immensely beneficial to all health care personnel to decide the best possible strategy for PEP following an exposure. It will further help all FOGSI members and all helath care personnel to give better treatment and care to HIV-infected person.

Advice available through this hotline will be as per PEP guidelines of NACO.

Advice and consultation on this helpline will be given by Dr. Alok Vashishtha, who is expert in HIV/AIDS Medicine. The helpline has a list of resource person who are all renowned experts in field of HIV/AIDS for furhter consultation if need arises.

FOGSI hotline is open to anybody who wants to seek advice on PEP for 24 hrs.

Dr. Alok Vashishtha

Consultant in HIV/AIDS Medicine

Nirmal Medical Foundation

AIDS Research and Treatment Centre,

S-43, Shivalik Nagar,

Hardwar - 249403 (Uttrakhand)

Ph: 01334-231557, 01334-231990

Cell: 09897265635

E mail: dralokvashishtha@...