Defence for compulsory pre-induction, pre-deployment HIV test

Chandigarh, Dec 12 (UNI) To combat the spread of HIV infection in the defence forces, the authorities have mooted a number of measures including making HIV tests compulsory at pre-induction level, before and after overseas postings and pre-deployment.

''It is also proposed to hold regular HIV tests for pregnant lady officers and pregnant wives of defence personnel. Pre-marital tests are also being advocated'', Armed Force Medical Services Director General Surgeon Vice Admiral VK Singh said here today.

''The proposal for the mandatory Hiv test has already been submitted to Ministry of Defence and he hope it will be cleared soon,'' he added.

The defence authorities are also sensitising their officers and jawans about the dreaded disease and bi-monthly awareness campaigns are being held at the battalion level. Lectures, slide and video presentions and inter-active sessions form part of this campaign, he said.

''Most impotantly, we are trying to remove the stigma attached with the disease. We want them to report the disease as soon as detected without fear of punishment or ostracisation,'' Vice Admiral Singh said, stressing contracting the disease was not a crime but hiding it was.

This has yielded good results and there have been cases where soldiers reported immidiately after having unsafe high risk sex and were given promt preventive treatment, he said.

The proactive approach of the defence authorities has yielded positive results. From the 300 HIV positive cases in 2003, the number has reduced to 37 this year so far, Vice Admiral Singh said.

''This put the prevelance percentage among defence personnel at .028 in India without compulsory screening which is comparable to .026 in USA where HIV test is mandatory,'' he said.

The defence forces are taking a very sympathetic approach to the problem. Only full blown AIDS patients are removed from the service and they were provided life-time treatment support, he said.

UNI DP JN VD HT1755