Patna: Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey recently announced several initiatives aimed at combating HIV/AIDS and providing support to those affected by the disease. The state government has committed significant resources to address the issue, with an annual expenditure of Rs 130 crore for the welfare of AIDS victims and their families.
Pandey shared that there are currently 17.50 lakh AIDS patients across India, with 88,000 of them receiving free treatment at 31 Antiretroviral Therapy (A.R.T.) centers in Bihar. These centers are playing a crucial role in providing ongoing care for HIV patients in the state.
Under the Bihar Shatabdi AIDS Victim Welfare Scheme, around 63,000 HIV-positive individuals receive a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500. Additionally, the Parvarish Yojana provides Rs 1,000 per month to 15,000 HIV-infected and affected children. This comprehensive support package, amounting to Rs 130 crore annually, is designed to improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families.
Pandey also highlighted the state’s efforts to empower HIV-infected youth by providing skill development training through the Bihar Skill Development Mission and the Labour Department, helping them build sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister emphasized that both the central and state governments are actively working to raise awareness about the prevention of HIV/AIDS and encourage public participation in health initiatives.
In a related healthcare initiative, it was earlier reported that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation for the Mahavir Child Cancer Hospital in Phulwari Sharif, Patna. The hospital, expected to be the first of its kind in the country, will have 100 beds and provide free cancer treatment for children up to the age of 18. The hospital is expected to be completed within 18 months and will be a state-of-the-art, six-story facility.
