SC seeks Government response on plea for AIDS centres in all districts

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today sought response from Centre on a plea seeking setting up of exclusive HIV/AIDS treatment centres in all districts and prisons of the country.

A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar issued notice to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on a PIL which also sought AIIMS like institutes in every state and union territory for exclusive treatment of AIDS patients.

The plea filed by advocate Parmanand Katara sought directions from the court to avoid any harassment and untouchability of HIV positiv patients by the public at large.

"...direct the respondents to establish exclusive HIV/AIDS treatment Centre/Hospitals like All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, in every state, Union Territory and at district level to conduct tests, treatment of the patients by admitting them in hospitals to avoid harassment and untouchability by public at large," it said.

The petition further sought direction for setting up exclusive HIV positive and AIDS test and treatment centres or hospitals in central and district jails to treat the inmates, convicts and undertrials throughout India.