SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 16: The experts of Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) Dhanbad, Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) Ranchi and corporate hospitals have pointed out gender discrimination as a major barrier in checking HIV positive population.
The research team comprising Dr Ravi Ranjan of the PSM department of SNMMCH, Dr Dewesh Kumar, associate professor PSM RIMS and renowned gynaecologist Dr Sameer Hazra recommended the need for improved HIV patients data, involvement of transgender in the programme and elimination of gender discrimination in HIV positive population.
The experts revealed it during a panel discussion on HIV positive population organized at SNMMCH today in which principal Dr Jyoti Ranjan Prasad, superintendent Dr AK Barnabal, medicine HOD Dr UK Ojha, Dr SK Chourasia ( surgery), Dr SK Mandal ( skin), Dr Rani Soren (gynaecology), Dr SK Banerjee ( Pathology), Dr Ganesh Kumar, Dr Sujit Tiwary ( microbiology) and Dr Vibhash Rana ( PSM) also attended.
Giving details, Dr Ravi Ranjan Jha said that massive research was conducted on HIV positive population and at a panel discussion today we shared views on how to improve it.
The participants raised a number of questions on the research findings such as challenges faced by the HIV-positive population, the role of the government and other stakeholders in addressing these challenges.
“During the research, we found that current data on the HIV-positive population is not comprehensive or accurate. This makes it difficult to plan and implement effective interventions”, said Dr Jha.
“It has been found that if the husband becomes positive, the wife takes care of him. But at the same time if the wife becomes positive she is deserted even by her husband who inflicts disease. So gender discrimination must be stopped for checking the positive population”, he said.
The experts also stressed on the need for the involvement of transgender in the existing system. They said transgender is one of the most marginalized groups in the society. They face significant challenges in accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.
All trio experts, Dr Jha, Dr Dewesh Kumar and Dr Sameer Hazra, shared their insights on the research findings and discussed the challenges and opportunities in addressing the needs of the HIV-positive population.
Dr Jha said recommendations will be shared with the state government and Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society (JSACS) for implementation.
