Seven couples in Punjab village died of AIDS

October 13, 2009

Punjab Newsline Network, Tuesday, 13 October 2009

GURDASPUR: The rising number of HIV positive cases in the border district of

Gurdaspur in Punjab sent shocking waves even as the health department is

keeping mum over the issue. The deadly virus has claimed at least 20 lives in

the district so far.

A report in an English daily Hindustan Times said that among the 20 cases of

death seven are couples from village Dalla under Qadian block. Most of the

victims are said to be truck drivers who travel frequently in India.

The report said that the first HIV death at the village was reported in

1987.Gurmeet Kaur had contracted the virus from her truck driver husband

Dalbir Singh,who died soon after.Lakhwinder Kaur,wife of Chanchal

Singh,contracted HIV from a re-used syringe. The actual figures could be way

higher, if people of the villagers are to be believed. They said that many such

deaths are declared natural deaths or not reported to healt department.

The report quoted Medical Officer,Dr H.S Batra who said he was not aware but a

health department team had been formed to monitor HIV cases at the village.Dr

Gurvinder Singh,SMO,Civil Hospital,Qadian,leads the team which would provide

free-of-cost HIV test kits and treat villagers for free.

He said the identity of patients would not be disclosed. He called upon social

and voluntary organisation to come forward to educate people about the Killer

virus.

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