Shillong
In the northeastern state of Meghalaya of the country, preparations are now being made to make HIV Test mandatory before marriage. Health Minister Emreen Lyngdoh said this on Friday. He said that the government is considering introducing a new law to make compulsory investigation before marriage in view of the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS in the state. He said that Meghalaya is at sixth place in the country in terms of HIV/AIDS dissemination and its impact is being seen on the Northeast region. Lyngdoh said, ‘If Goa has made HIV investigation mandatory before marriage, then why should Meghalaya not apply such a law? This will be beneficial for the whole society.
The Health Minister said that he attended a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Preston Tinsong, which also attended Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills district. In this meeting, a policy was discussed on HIV/AIDS. He informed that the Health Department has been instructed to prepare a cabinet note in this regard. Also, similar meetings will be held in Garo Hills and Jantia Hills areas so that the area -wise strategy can be prepared.
Expressing concern, the Health Minister said that only 3,432 cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported in East Khasi Hills district, out of which only 1,581 patients are receiving treatment. He said that the main cause of this infection in the state is unprotected sex. The minister said, ‘We have to ensure that every person found infected after investigation is treated. HIV/AIDS is not fatal, if it is treated in time and properly. ‘ Let us know that after finding all such cases in Goa, rules have been made regarding HIV test.
