Refusal of 2nd line ARD at STM, Kolkata.

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

From yesterday i.e. 25/11/2008 School of Tropical Medicines has

initiated 2nd line ART through their own ART Center, which is first

in Eastern India.

Last Friday I went to outdoor clinic for checkup and the Doctor

there referred me to visit ART Center for 2nd line ARD on 25/11/2008

to restart my 2nd line ART medication.

According to that I went there at around 10am and submitted my

outdoor ticket in proper place along with other 4 people who were

getting their 1st line ART from the same ART Center.

At around 2pm when I saw that the group of doctors called other four

persons to take their blood sample for viral load test, then I also

went to doctor's chamber and asked the doctors, " What about me? "

Then they replied, " We are sorry, although we know that your 2nd

line ART treatment is going on officially from 2005 under School of

Tropical Medicines, but ACCORDING TO NACO GUIDELINE,our hands are

tied up. At present we will only provide to those who has got 1st

line ART from here " . " You may get after three months. "

So, this situation or recent guideline doesn't prove NACO's

violation of Indian Supreme Court's recent notice to NACO and

J.J.Hospital to ensure Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects

every person's right to life, as placing an obligation on the Government to

ensure the availability of ARV drugs free of

charge to people who require them, regardless of whether they are

first or second line drugs and regardless of where the person in need lives.

Isn't it the violation of Supreme Courts further notice issued to

the Union of India and NACO and next listed the application on 29

September 2008?

Thanking you,

In solidarity,

Snehansu Bhaduri, Kolkata

snehansu.bhaduri@...

Mobile: 9874693613