11th April, New Delhi: Lawyers Collective stands with the people living and affected by HIV in commending the Lok Sabha for the passage of the HIV/AIDS Bill.

However, we hope that the government will amend the many flaws in the Bill in its current form. PLHIV  have repeatedly demanded the removal of the phrase “as far as possible”  from clause 14 (1) in the chapter of treatment both before the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha . There have been numerous reports of HIV drugs and diagnostic shortages and stockouts which may irreversibly compromise the health of PLHIV. Retaining the phrase ‘as far as possible’ allows the government an escape route and absolves the government of the duty of meeting the treatment needs of each and every person living with HIV.  The policy of free treatment available to PLHIVs has been critical to the success of the national HIV programme. Lawyers Collective strongly urges the government to address the issues raised by PLHIVs and bring about necessary amendments.