Some positive moves for HIV+

Initiating a remarkable step for HIV positive and AIDS patients, two south Indian states have separately moved up with unique steps that can proved to be a lesson for others.

Kerala, which is always known for certain and solid changes in the society, has planned to grant government jobs for HIV+ patients to truly enlighten their life and to give equal opportunity to prove themselves before the society. It has reserved a government job for HIV-positive people

Karnataka, another progressive state of India has decided to grant economical and social security to HIV+ victims. For this, Population Services International (PSI), an NGO, in collaboration with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company and the Karnataka Network for Positive People (KNP+), has launched a group health insurance scheme for 300 people of the state. This scheme is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Setting a trend to grant equal position to HIV+ positive patients in the society, Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) has decided to reserve a post in its office for HIV+ victims. At present, KSACS has invited application for the post of ‘Coordinator’ who has working experience of three years of HIV related field could apply for this post.

The applicants must be a HIV+ patient and holding any graduate degree. The salary for this contract based job would be ranged Rs.15,000 to 20,000 depending the qualification and experience of the candidate and must not be a part of any network, as per the advertisement published in all leading newspapers in the state.

The last date of the submitting the application is August 16 and the liability of the job is to establish a network of HIV positive people in all the 14 districts of the state.

In another major commencement, Karnataka based KNP+ along with PSI and Star Health and Allied Insurance Company has launched a group insurance scheme for HIV+ patients. At present, as much as 250 applicants from six districts- Bellary, Mangalore, Mandya, Udupi, Kolar and Mysore - have been insured under this first-ever launched health insurance.

The premium of this insurance is Rs. 1,500, which is half shared by the NGOs. In this cashless health policy, the insured may go for 300 hospitals for getting treatment.

The sum assured amount for each patients would be Rs.30,000 per insured person that is bifurcated of Rs. 15,000 each for treating the patients and if the patient dies, the remaining amount will be delivered to kin of the patient.

These two major initiatives will definitely spread the message in the society that we are getting mature and HIV AIDS is no longer considered as a stigma, said a social activist.

National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has appreciated these moves and announced to expand those in other states.