Law to protect HIV/AIDS patients take effect

Law to protect HIV/AIDS patients take effect

News

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 has been notified by government, to be brought in force.

Important facts

• In India, 0.26% of the people, between the age group of 15 and 49 years, are HIV positive.
• 21 lakh people in India are currently HIV positive.
• India ranks third in the world in the number of HIV patients.

Features of the Act

• Propagation of hatred or physical violence against HIV person will get jail term of 2 years and Rs 1 lakh as fine.
• It will bring private institutions like health care facilities, educational institutions, and workplaces under its ambit.
• Even a private firm discriminating against a person living with HIV/AIDS can be taken to court.
• The act also makes a provision for a fine of Rs 1 lakh for disclosing the HIV status of a person, if done in the absence of any court order.
• The act guarantees several rights for the people living with HIV/AIDS, like the right to property, the right to employment, and the right to hold public offices.
• Ensures free treatment and counseling for all persons affected by AIDS
• The act puts the onus of implementing the act, controlling the spread of the disease, treating People living with HIV AIDS, and creating wellness schemes, on the States along with the Centre.