AIIMS Patna launches Antiretroviral Therapy Centre to improve HIV care

Patna: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, on Thursday inaugurated its newly established Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre to enhance HIV/AIDS care and expand access to life-saving treatment services in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Project Director, BSACS, Sumit Kumar, said that with the launch of the ART Centre at AIIMS Patna, Bihar now has a total of 35 ART Centres, marking another important milestone in the state’s fight against HIV/AIDS and in ensuring equitable healthcare access for people living with HIV.

According to a recent UNI report, he emphasised the importance of expanding accessible and stigma-free HIV treatment facilities across Bihar. He highlighted that the newly inaugurated ART Centre at AIIMS Patna would significantly strengthen the state’s healthcare network by providing advanced treatment, counselling and follow-up services under one roof.

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In his address, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director-cum-CEO, AIIMS Patna, stated that the establishment of the ART Centre reflects the institute’s commitment towards inclusive, accessible and patient-centric healthcare services. He said that HIV/AIDS should be viewed purely as a medical condition and not through the lens of discrimination or social exclusion.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Prakash, Nodal Officer, ART Centre and Head of the Department of General Medicine, highlighted that the centre would play a crucial role in ensuring timely treatment, regular monitoring, counselling and improved quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony collectively emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare institutions, government agencies and society to build an inclusive environment free from discrimination against people living with HIV, reports UNI.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, healthcare workers, nursing officers, administrative officials and staff of AIIMS Patna and BSACS.

The newly inaugurated ART Centre is expected to benefit a large number of patients from Patna and adjoining districts by improving access to specialized HIV care and reducing the burden on existing treatment facilities across the state.

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