He said that the larger health system should also contribute to providing a wider platform for greater reach of the HIV/AIDS programme.
“All healthcare providers including ASHA workers should be involved in this gigantic task. Primary and Community health Centres should be made fully capable of providing treatment for opportunistic infections”, PM said.
Speaking at a national convention of Parliamentarians, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons and Mayors here, Dr Singh said, the larger health system should also contribute to providing a wider platform for greater reach of the HIV-AIDS programme.
The Prime minister said, there are over 24 lakh people estimated to be living in India with HIV-AIDS. He said, therefore, there should be no let up in efforts to provide services to those HIV infected people and prevent others from getting the infection. He said, all health care providers including ASHA workers should be involved in this task.
The Prime Minister said, linkages should be made between the HIV and AIDS programme and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee programme to facilitate employment of HIV positive persons.
Dr Singh also said, all should ensure that there is no stigma and discrimination towards HIV infected persons. He said, no child should be denied admission in schools and colleges because he or she is afflicted with HIV.
Speaking on the occasion, UPA chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi said, all should redouble their efforts to fully contain HIV-AIDS. She urged all should come forward and provide necessary support so that government’s efforts are met with success.