Free ART medicine provided to HIV-positive patients in Baitadi

Baitadi: HIV-infected individuals in Baitadi are receiving regular antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicine through two ART centers in the district. Dr. Sushil Bik, Chief of District Hospital Baitadi, confirmed that the medicine is provided free of cost to those in need.

Khagendra Karki, Statistics Officer at the Health Office Baitadi, stated that ART medicine is being distributed from District Hospital Baitadi and Kesharpur Primary Health Center, Melauli. Currently, 136 patients, including 74 women and 62 men, are taking ART medication in the district.

Despite free access to medicine, HIV-positive individuals continue to face other challenges. Jagdish Bista, Program Coordinator of Baitadi Plus, highlighted that due to the limited number of organizations working in the HIV sector, local government initiatives are needed to provide livelihood programs for the infected.

Bista also emphasized that discrimination and social stigmatization against HIV-positive individuals remain prevalent, calling for measures to address and reduce these social barriers.