Assam: Orientation programme on AIDS held in Tezpur

TEZPUR: A sensitization and an orientation of IMA members and private practitioners on National AIDS Control Programme ART guideline by Alliance India in collaboration with Assam State AIDS Control Society and Indian Medical Association, Tezpur Branch was held at IMA Conference Hall, Tezpur. This was the first such event for IMA members and private practitioners in Assam.

Dr Queen Gogoi Das, secretary of IMA Tezpur branch, welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of the doctors in addressing the epidemic. Dr. Chiranjeeb Kakoty, State Coordinator, Alliance India, discussed the current status of the 95:95:95 goal of NACO at both national and state levels. His presentation delved into Private Sector Engagement, shedding light on the potential contributions of private practitioners and health institutions in treating PLHIVs. He also discussed the reporting format which needs to be submitted by those private practitioners who prescribe ARV medicines to the SACS every quarter.

Dr. Purabi Thaosen, Assistant Professor of the Deptt of Medicine, Tezpur Medical College and the Nodal Officer of the ARTC oriented the gathering on the ART guidelines of NACO and also about the various possible co-infections including HIV TB Co-infection. She also highlighted the Post- Exposure Prophylaxis which all health care providers and institutions should be aware of, given their vulnerabilities. Dr Atul Kr. Kalita, Hony. secretary of IMA, Assam State Branch highlighted treating and reporting TB cases by private practitioners, the same should be tried in HIV cases also ,though such step has not yet been taken to train doctors in the state and particularly the district.

Dr. Chiranjeeb Kakoty and Dr. Purabi Thaosen answered various questions which were put forth by the participants related to stigma, testing and referral and treatment of co-infections.

Dr. Dwipen Mahanta, president of IMA Tezpur Branch, while speaking on the way forward highlighted the need for one to one communication with the medical practitioners.

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