Parliament has passed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control),Bill 2017 with the Lok Sabha approving it today. The Bill has already been passed by the Raja Sabha. <br/><br/>The Bill seeks to provide for the prevention and control of the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS . It also provides for the protection of human rights of persons affected by the virus and syndrome. Replying to a debate in the House, Health Minister J P Nadda said, the government will provide free treatment to the people infected with HIV.<br/><br/>He also said, his Ministry will soon come out with a new Test and Treat policy for the people living with HIV for providing free treatment to them. He said, the government has spent 2000 crore rupees on Anti Retroviral Therapy drugs for such patients last year. Mr Nadda said, there is 22 thousand testing facilities for HIV andAIDS are functional in the country.<br/><br/>He also appreciated the Indian Pharma Companies for manufacturing affordable drugs for the treatment of the disease. Mr Nadda termed the bill as patient-centric and progressive in nature. He said, the bill will empower the people affected with the disease by giving them legal sanctity. He said, the bill prohibits any kind of discrimination against such people on ground of treatment, employment and workplace. <br/><br/>He said, those violating the law will attract a penalty to the tune of one lakh rupees and imprisonment from 3 months to two years or both. He said, the confidentiality of the HIV infected patients will be maintained. He said, the bill also binds the government to take aggressive measures from time to time to control the spread of the disease. <br/><br/>A per the bill, an ombudsman will be appointed by each state government to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and the provision of health care services. <br/><br/>Earlier, initiating the discussion, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress supported the bill and stressed on creating more awareness among the people about the disease.He also sought to know from the health Minister about the fast track strategy of the government to arrest the disease. <br/><br/>Kirit P Solanki of BJP termed the bill as people's centric and ensure the rehabilitation of of such patients. He said, there is also a provision of providing free treatment to such people.

The Lok Sabha today took up the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control), Bill 2017 for discussion. The Bill seeks to provide for the prevention and control of the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus ,HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,AIDS. <br/><br/>It also provides for the protection of human rights of persons affected by the virus and syndrome. Moving the bill, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said, the bill is people centric and progressive in nature. He said, the bill will empower the people affected with the disease by giving them legal sanctity. He said, the bill prohibits any kind of discrimination against such people on ground of treatment, employment and workplace and others. <br/><br/>Mr Nadda said, there is also a provision of awarding penalty and imprisionment in case of violation of the legislation. He said, those violating the law will attract a penalty to the tune of one lakh rupees and imprisionment from 3 months to two years or both. He said, the confidentiality of the HIV infected patients will be maintained. He said, the bill also binds the government to take aggressive measures from time to time to control the spread of the disease. <br/><br/>As per the bill, an ombudsman will be appointed by each state government to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and the provision of health care services. The Ombudsman will submit a report to the state government every six months stating the number and nature of complaints received, the actions taken and orders passed.<br/><br/>Initiating the discussion, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress supported the bill and stressed on creating more awareness among the people about the disease.He also sought to know from the health Minister about the fast track strategy of the government to arrest the disease. <br/><br/>Kirit P Solanki of BJP termed the bill as people's centric and ensure the rehabilitation of of such patients. He said, there is also a provision of providing free treatment to such people.