Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Workers Demand Government Intervention to Prevent Closure of Testing Centers and Increase Salaries
Members of the Tamil Nadu AIDS Control All Employees Welfare Association staged a demonstration at the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (Tansacs) on Thursday, urging the state government to intervene in the decision made by the Central government. The Central government reportedly plans to close down 186 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in the state. The employees also demanded a 10% salary increase for those working in Primary Health Centres (PHC).
In August 2022, Tansacs employees working in government medical college hospitals received a 10% salary increase, but employees in PHCs were left out. The association emphasized the need for the increase to be extended to PHC workers such as counsellors and laboratory technicians.
The association drew attention to a circular issued by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) on July 5 regarding the conversion of standalone ICTCs to screening facilities. Following discussions and communication received from State AIDS Control Societies (SACS), it was decided that 4,488 ICTCs out of 5,081 would remain as standalone facilities, with 593 sites being converted to screening sites. Around 2,119 identified facilities will continue to be assessed routinely for performance, reporting, and record keeping. These facilities may be considered for further rationalization after six months.
Regarding the situation in Tamil Nadu, out of the 377 ICTCs, 82 were converted to screening sites. A total of 104 facilities are currently under close review. The association expressed concern that the closure of the 186 ICTCs would have a detrimental impact on testing services, including for pregnant women and the delivery of services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Mr. M. Cheralathan, the general secretary of the association, stressed the importance of the State government taking a policy decision to prevent the closure of these ICTCs. He also highlighted the issue of private hospitals charging patients for testing and consultation, despite the drugs being provided free of charge. He called on the State government to ensure that these facilities offer free services to patients.
The demand for the State government’s intervention in preventing the closure of testing centers and increasing salaries for PHC workers reflects the concerns and needs of the Tamil Nadu AIDS Control All Employees Welfare Association. Their demonstration at Tansacs demonstrates their commitment to protecting the provision of testing services and improving the working conditions and compensation for employees. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands and work towards addressing the challenges faced in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Tamil Nadu.
