RS passes bill for HIV patients’ rights

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha Tuesday passed the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill 2014, to ensure equal rights to people afflicted by HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs. It was moved by the health minister.

The Rajya Sabha passed a bill on Tuesday to ensure equal rights to people afflicted by HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs.

The Upper House passed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014, moved by Union health minister J.P. Nadda, by a voice vote.

Replying to the debate, Mr Nadda said, “I would like to inform the House that while making the rules, we will ensure that nobody is denied treatment and we are committed to provide medical treatment to all those living with HIV or AIDS. We are going with an aggressive policy.”

“India will treat anyone

The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill seeks to ensure equal rights to people afflicted by HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs

with HIV and AIDS. Anyone in India having HIV or AIDS, the government of India will take care of the treatment,” he added. Many members suggested amending Section 14(1) of the bill, to remove the phrase “as far as possible” for providing medical treatment by the Centre and states to those infected with HIV and AIDS. However, the minister clarified that there will be a provision in the rules to provide justification for denying treatment to patients.

“The measures to be taken by the Central or state governments under Section 13 shall include measures for providing as far as possible, anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic management to people living with HIV or AIDS,” the section says.

Mr Nadda said the passage of the bill was “historic” because the government can now ensure better quality of life to people living with HIV and AIDS.