Hyderabad, Dec 01: AIDS continues to be a serious public health concern spreading silently. However, with proper awareness, it can be effectively controlled, said Dr. Anuradha, Joint Director, Telangana SARC (Scientific and Applied Research Centre). She participated as the chief guest and inaugurated the AIDS Awareness Walk organized by Kamineni Hospitals on the occasion of World AIDS Day on Monday. Around 300 participants, including doctors, medical students, nursing staff, and the general public, took part in the event, holding placards aimed at spreading information on HIV/AIDS.
Speaking on the occasion, Consultant Physician Dr. Srikrishna Raghavendra stated,
“There are 24 lakh HIV-positive individuals in India and 1.4 lakh in Telangana. Half of them are men and the other half are women. Due to increased testing, cases are now being identified in children as well, mostly transmitted from parents. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as frequent fever, persistent weakness, or unexplained tiredness should undergo medical evaluation. Testing positive for HIV is not a reason to panic. The first step is to register at an ICTC centre. For people in the LB Nagar area, an ICTC centre is available in Vanasthalipuram.
The ART Centre at Kamineni, functioning under the PPP model since 2022, distributes antiretroviral medications free of cost under government guidelines. In addition to Kamineni, Gandhi, Osmania, and Chest Hospital also have ART services. The Kamineni F-ICTC Centre currently has 1,200 registered individuals, with 35–40 patients visiting daily to collect government-provided medication. Regular follow-ups, testing, and free medicine distribution are carried out consistently. The centre also conducts awareness activities for women, transgender persons, and others to prevent HIV transmission,” he said.
Senior Consultant Physician Dr. M. Swami said,
“Discrimination toward HIV-positive individuals still exists in society. To eliminate this, widespread awareness is essential. Unfortunately, some healthcare providers also hesitate to treat HIV patients. This must change, and equal care must be provided to all patients,” he noted.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Anjaiah Kanusali added,
“HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, unsafe blood transfusions, and certain other exposures. With proper precautions, transmission can be prevented. Even if someone tests positive, there is no need to worry. The government provides free antiretroviral medications. Patients only need to register at the ART Centre and continue their treatment regularly,” he explained.
The programme was attended by Organizing Chairperson and Head of General Medicine Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar, Principal Dr. Sudhir Babu Padugul, Senior Consultant Physician Dr. J. Harikrishna, Consultant Physician Dr. Pradeep Kumar Patel, ART Centre CMO Dr. Peddi Ramakrishna, Prof. Dr. P. Ratnachari, Dr. I. Suresh, Assistant Professor Dr. Dakshayani, and others.
