(a) whether the Government has decided to provide medicines to AIDS patients in the Government Hospitals;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any programme has been formulated by the Government for the purpose; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b ) Yes, Sir. Government is actively contemplating expansion of a programme on care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS across the six high prevalence states, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu, so as to include anti-retroviral drugs for specific target groups, through the public health care system.
A meeting was held on 17th November, 2003 with the pharmaceutical industry producing Anti-retroviral Drugs under the chairpersonship of Minister for Health & Family Welfare, to discuss the modalities on affordable anti-retroviral therapy to AIDS patients.
As a follow-up of this meeting a working group was constituted under the chairman-ship of Secretary (Health) with representatives from Pharmaceutical companies. Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to suggest ways for reduction in the prices of anti-retroviral drugs and testing/diagnostic equipment required for the treatment of the people living with HIV/AIDS.
(c ) No, Sir.
(d ) Does not arise.