Question : HIV Patients

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that India is ranked as the third highest number of HIV infected people in the world and the HIV testing and treatment coverage of a meagre 36%, leaving majority of those infected, undetected/untreated, if so, the details thereof, along with the
reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Supreme Court has directed the Government to set up HIV testing centres in every district particularly in rural areas for treating HIV patients, if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon;

(c) whether the Government proposes to roll out the third line of treatment for HIV patients, if so, the details thereof along with the current status thereon;

(d) whether the Government has necessary infrastructure for the above
purpose, if so, the details thereof;

(e) the details of National AIDS Control Programme Centres functioning along with the number of vacant posts, post and, State/ UT-wise including Uttar Pradesh; and

(f) whether the Government has received any complaint of irregularity regarding appointment in these centres, if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a): Yes. Government is aware that that India is ranked third in terms of number of HIV infected people in the world. As per India HIV estimation 2015 report, an estimated 21.17 lakh People are living with HIV. The other two countries having higher numbers are South Africa (68 lakh) and Nigeria (34 lakh) [Source: UNAIDS estimates 2014].



Though about 21.17 lakh people are estimated to be living with HIV (PLHIV), yet Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is started only for those patients whose CD4 count becomes less than 350. The total number of patients with CD4 count of less than 350 is estimated as 13,45,678. Out of this, the number of people on ART is 9.40 lakhs making a coverage rate of 70%. The detail of estimated number of people living with HIV and those who are put on ART is enclosed at Annexure I.

(b): No. However, under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) at least one Integrated Counselling & Testing Centres (ICTC) for HIV testing has been established in each district including in rural areas. As on 31st March 2016, a total of 19,800 ICTC are set up in India.

(c): Yes. Currently 2 PLHIV are on third line treatment.

(d): There are 10 Centres of Excellences for ARV treatment in the country. They are equipped with trained doctors and infrastructure for third line treatment. The third line treatment will be initially rolled out through these centres. The same may be expanded on need basis.

(e): The details of National AIDS Control Programme Centres functioning along with number of vacant posts, postwise/UT-wise including Uttar Pradesh placed are as under:
Annexure 2- Details of ART Centres
Annexure 3 – Details of ICTC Centres
Annexure 4 – Details of STI Centres

(f): No.