Before the establishment of the center, HIV patients in the district were compelled to visit Nepalgunj for CD4 counting and anti-retroviral treatment. [break]This newly added facility in the district hospital has brought a huge relief to HIV patients relieving them of the trouble of visiting nearby cities and spending huge amounts of money for travel alone, informed Gopal Bhandari, president of Plus, an organization working for the welfare of HIV patients in the district.
“Regular treatment and medication for HIV patients is a must and after the facility came into operation at the district hospital, they have a reason to rejoice,” said Bhandari. Once a patient tests positive for HIV, s/he must undergo regular medication and CD4 counting every six months, informed Bhandari.
Laxmi Ghimire, an HIV patient, said, “We had to plan visit to the nearby cities for treatment weeks in advance as we were compelled to travel long distances. But now that the centre has come into operation, we have been spared the trouble of travelling to places and spending huge amounts of money,” said Ghimire.
According to Pyuthan District Health Hospital, there are 102 HIV patients in the district. Of them, 33 are undergoing regular anti-retroviral treatment. “Records show that the number of HIV patients has been increasing two-fold annually in the district,” said Bhandari.
A majority of HIV infected patients are from Rashpurkot, Gothibang, Garbawati and Bijuwar VDCs. The number of patients who have not been receiving treatment could be as high, informed Bhandari.
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