Armed forces report 267 AIDS cases this year

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) As many as 267 cases of HIV positive/AIDS in the armed forces have been reported this year so far, the Lok Sabha was told today.

Last year, the number of such cases was 361, Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written answer to the House.

He said the armed forces had established ten Immuno Deficiency Centres(IDC) in selected military hospitals.

These centres provide investigation, treatment and follow up of all HIV positive people, and they were laced with state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities for detection and treatment of HIV/AIDS cases.

Anti-retroviral therapy was provided free to patients till they were in service, after which these medicines were supplied through ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, the Defence Minister added.

UNI NAZ SP KN1750