Bihar Expands HIV Treatment Network With 35th ART Centre at AIIMS Patna
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna (AIIMS Patna) on Thursday inaugurated its newly established Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre to enhance HIV/AIDS treatment services and improve access to specialised healthcare for patients across Bihar.
With the launch of the new ART Centre, Bihar now has a total of 35 ART Centres, marking a significant step forward in the state’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and efforts to ensure equitable healthcare access for people living with HIV.
New ART Centre to Provide Advanced HIV Care and Counselling
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Sumit Kumar, Project Director of the Bihar State AIDS Control Society (BSACS), highlighted the importance of expanding stigma-free and easily accessible HIV treatment facilities across the state.
He stated that the newly launched ART Centre at AIIMS Patna would strengthen Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure by offering advanced treatment services, patient counselling, monitoring, and follow-up care under one roof.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce the burden on existing HIV treatment centres while improving healthcare accessibility for patients from Patna and nearby districts.
AIIMS Patna Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Healthcare
Speaking at the event, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director-cum-CEO of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna, said the establishment of the ART Centre reflects the institute’s commitment towards inclusive, patient-centric and accessible healthcare services.
He stressed that HIV/AIDS should be treated purely as a medical condition and not viewed through the lens of social stigma or discrimination.
Dr. Agarwal also underlined the importance of creating a supportive environment for people living with HIV and ensuring they receive equal access to quality healthcare services.
ART Centre to Improve Quality of Life for HIV Patients
Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Prakash, Nodal Officer of the ART Centre and Head of the Department of General Medicine at AIIMS Patna, said the facility would play a crucial role in ensuring timely treatment, regular monitoring and counselling support for HIV/AIDS patients.
He added that the centre aims to improve the overall quality of life for patients through comprehensive and continuous care services.
Call for Collaborative Efforts to End HIV Discrimination
During the inauguration ceremony, dignitaries collectively emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between healthcare institutions, government agencies and society to eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV.
The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, healthcare professionals, nursing officers, administrative officials and staff members from AIIMS Patna and BSACS.
The newly inaugurated ART Centre is expected to emerge as a key healthcare facility for HIV/AIDS management in Bihar, offering specialised treatment and support services to a growing number of patients in the region.
