Govt takes steps to avert ARV crisis

KATHMANDU, July 11: In a bid to avert crisis of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs at treatment centers, the government has adopted several emergency measures, including supply of drugs to areas facing acute shortage of the drugs.



“We have also allocated some money to buy necessary drugs to avert a crisis,” said Director of the National Center for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) Dr Ramesh Kharel.[break]



Director Kharel said NCASC has taken such step after UNDP- Nepal said it would take at least two more months to supply the medicine.



UNDP has taken responsibility to supply ARV drugs to the NCASC.



Doctors say the lives of HIV patients would be at risk if they discontinue the anti-retroviral drugs once they start treatment.



The medicine does not work once it is discontinued.



There are 36 ARV centers operating across the country and approximately 5,000 patients are currently receiving ARV treatment.

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