PM calls for cheaper AIDS drugs

Law to empower HIV patients likely: Sibal.

On the World AIDS Day today, the prime minister called for cheaper drugs to fight the deadly disease, while Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal broke the news of a draft legislation, currently with the ministry concerned, to empower AIDS patients with greater rights.

Speaking at the national convention on HIV/AIDS for youth leaders of political parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The cost of detection and medication for the HIV-infected is decreasing, but this is not enough. Prices must come down further to make these drugs more affordable and accessible to all".

Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said a draft legislation on protecting the rights of the HIV-infected people had been finalised and submitted to the ministry of health and family welfare.

"The legislation deals with various issues such as discrimination, confidentiality, right to treatment, and care and support," he said. Sibal has chaired the group involved in drafting the legislation.

At present, there is no law in India to deal with issues such as dignity of people infected with HIV, spousal duties with reference to the infection, financial support to be provided by the government and blood banks' responsibility. Sibal said the draft aims to address these issues.

On the other hand, the prime minister spoke on the government's aim of restructuring the health delivery system to provide "comprehensive package of services to the community consisting of preventive services, promotional measures, interventions for counselling and treatment".

He also said this could be possible only with the "massive participation" of the NGOs, religious leaders and the private sector. He also expressed fear of losing much of India's young generation to the fatal ailment.