DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 24 (MExN): In response to the resentment expressed by the HIV+ve community against the constant breakdown of the CD4 machine, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has issued a rejoinder.
A press release by NSACS project director, Dr Ngangshimeren maintained that the complaint regarding the breakdown of the CD4 machine due to the poor battery backup was received on the November first week and accordingly action for release of fund for the purchase of new battery was initiated immediately.
But due to technical problem, there was a little delay in transferring the fund. It however stated that battery backup has been replaced with a new set on November 22, 2017.
The NSACS also informed that a new complete backup set with CD4 machine, cartridges contributed from the Chief Secretary’s Welfare Fund is expected to be installed by December 2017, at Dimapur ART Plus Centre, considering the heavy case load.
On the issue of non availability of ARV drug, the NSACS clarified that there is no shortage of ARV drugs at the Centre and replenishment of drugs is done on regular basis. It also sought to point out that at present the ART Plus Centre has adequate manpower strength with one senior medical officer, one medical officer, one staff nurse, three counsellors, one lab technician, one pharmacist, two data entry operators and one care coordinator with a client load of 100-200 per day.
It further highlighted the NACO’s guideline for test and treat policy that irrespective of CD4 count, all HIV positive people has to be given treatment. And it is only through partnership and collaborative efforts that we can push ahead to achieve the goal of ‘Test All, Treat All,’ whether HIV positive people has done CD4 count or not, it added.
