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There are 7948 HIV patients registered in Sitamarhi, which includes 387 children below 18 years of age. Dumra block has the maximum number of 1107 patients. Timely examination and medicine is necessary.
SitamarhiThe overall figures of HIV-AIDS in the district may be considered under control, but the most worrying thing is that a large number of children of school-college age are also coming under its ambit, According to the Health Department, a total of 7948 patients are registered in the district, which includes approximately four thousand male and four thousand female patients, The most surprising thing is that symptoms of HIV have been found in 252 boys and 135 girls under the age of 18 years, According to experts, onset of symptoms at an early age is a serious warning for both society and the health system,
At present there are 4954 active patients in the district who are taking regular medicines and undergoing monthly counseling from the ART centre. Since the establishment of ART Center in Sitamarhi Sadar Hospital in 2012, registration of patients has been happening continuously till now. Medical Officer Dr. Mohd. Haseen Akhtar said that every day about 300 patients are reaching the hospital and taking life-saving medicines. According to Nodal Officer Dr. Z. Javed, around 500 new patients are being registered every year since 2022, which shows the speed of infection.
Patients will get these facilities
Relief schemes for AIDS patients are also being run by the government. Under Bihar Shatabdi AIDS Victim Welfare Scheme, 3899 registered adult patients are being given Rs 1500 per month through DBT. Under the Parvarish Scheme, Rs 1000 per month is being provided to the beneficiaries below 18 years of age. Health department officials say that timely check-up, regular medication and counseling are the biggest basis of a healthy life. The ART center not only provides medicines to the patients but also provides mental and social support.
Health department appealed to the people
AIDS cases are registered in all the 17 blocks of the district, but there is a huge difference in it. Dumra block leads with 1107 patients, while only 102 patients are registered in Choraut. Other blocks include 708 patients in Runnisaidpur, 700 in Parihar, 514 in Sonbarsa, 507 in Riga, 346 in Pupri, 348 in Nanpur, 229 in Bairagnia, 194 in Bela, 156 in Bokhra and 177 in Suppi. The Health Department has appealed to the people to get tested for HIV without hesitation, so that the spread of the infection can be stopped and timely treatment can be ensured.
