Members of the State Assembly should come forward to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, so as to eradicate these diseases from the society and also remove the social stigma attached with these diseases, This was stated by the Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur while addressing Workshop on HIV/AIDS and TB Free Himachal Campaign for MLAs organized by the State Health and Family Welfare Department, State AIDS Control Society and State TB Control Centre at Peterhoff last evening.The Chief Minister said that it was the duty of every responsible citizen to contribute in removing the social stigma attached with both TB and HIV/AIDS. He said that MLAs could play a vital role in spreading awareness in their respective areas regarding these diseases. He said that the social taboo involved with AIDS and TB was one of the major bottlenecks in proper diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.Shri Jai Ram Thakur said the Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi has set a target of TB free India by 2025, but with people’s support and commitment of doctors, the State has set a target of making Himachal Pradesh TB free State by 2021. He said that an effective roadmap must be prepared taking into consideration all the factors involved in diagnosis and treatment of TB. He said that effective education, information and communication strategy must also be chalked out.The Chief Minister said that efforts should also be made to curb drug menace, especially amongst youth.
He said that it was usually felt that drug abuse and HIV/AIDS were closely associated. He said that awareness regarding deadly effects of HIV and its prevention must be spread especially amongst the youth. He said although the health indicators of Himachal Pradesh were better than most of the States of the country, but lot more has to be done.Shri Jai Ram Thakur said that the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) must be implemented effectively upto the grass root level so as to achieve desired results. He said that mass awareness regarding HIV/AIDS can prove a boon to checking spread of this disease. Speaker Vidhan Sabha Dr Rajiv Bindal said that the MLAs could play a key role in spreading awareness regarding these diseases. He appreciated the efforts of the State Health Department for organizing such workshops of the MLAs.Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri Vipin Parmar said the State Government has made adequate provision for health sector for the 2018-19 budget. He said Rs 2 crore has been earmarked for TB Eradication during the current financial year. He said that change in the mindset of people regarding HIV AIDS was important only then the social stigma involved with it could be removed.Principal Secretary Health Shri Parbodh Saxena welcomed the chief guests.Director Health Services Dr Baldev Thakur while welcoming the chief guest detailed various activities of the Department. He assured the Chief Minister that the Department would work with dedication and commitment to make Himachal Pradesh TB free by the year 2021. Dr Rajesh Thakur gave detailed presentation on prevention and cure of HIV/AIDS. Presentation was also given on T.B.Education Minister Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, Urban Development Minister Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Virender Kanwar, MLAs and other senior officers of the State Government were present on the occasion.