People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are facing an acute shortage of life-saving drugs, say protesters who who have been camping outside the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) office in the capital for over 15 days now. They allege rationing of medicines, arbitrary change in drug regimen and even complete deprivation of vital paediatric drugs for children living with HIV. They fear if the situation continues, many will be pushed towards treatment interruption, drug resistance, and imminent death due to AIDS.
NACO, functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is a nodal agency responsible for overlooking and coordinating activities of the National AIDS Control Program (NACP).
The protesters noted that NACO in its public communication had claimed that 95% of PLHIV have not faced any shortages. “Going by the same figure, 5% of 14.5 lakh is 72,500 people, who are being affected by the current shortage and stockouts. The impact of the shortage on PLHIV community is severe and far-reaching,’’ they say.
