CRPF fights AIDS and drug abuse

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CRPF fights AIDS and drug abuse

[Wednesday, February 08, 2006 11:22:32 am IANS ]

NEW DELHI: It may be defending the country from anti-nationals but

the health of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel is

crumbling from increasing cases of HIV/AIDS deaths, chronic

alcoholism and drug abuse.

According to recent data, in the past 13 years, 400 personnel have

died of HIV/AIDS while 300 of them are under treatment. The problem

does not end here, as around 496 personnel suffer from alcoholism

and drug abuse.

" Our doctors have informed us that according to an estimate, around

10 percent of the 250,000 personnel in the force are suffering from

acute alcoholism and drug abuse, " JK Sinha, director general (DG) of

the CRPF, said.

Rashmi Sinha, his wife and president of the CRPF Wives Welfare

Association (CWWA), said: " The problem is increasing and we are

trying to identify the people who are suffering. " The CRPF had first

registered an HIV/AIDS death in 1992

She said most cases of AIDS/HIV were detected in people posted in

the northeast.

" These are some of the most (HIV) affected areas of the country and

since they are posted away from their families, the personnel have

added pressure on them, " she added.

Rashmi Sinha also said the problem of alcoholism and drug abuse

could be due to work pressures and the tension of staying away from

their families.

She said that to counter the problem, the CRPF has now joined hands

with the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM) and United

Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) to launch a long-term

alcoholism and drug de-addiction programme.

She said the CWWA has formed a questionnaire in association with

NGOs and doctors that would be distributed to the personnel and

their family members so that the number of people suffering from

HIV/AIDS and drug abuse could be identified.

" These questionnaires would be anonymous and personnel would not

have to identify themselves initially, " said Rashmi Sinha. She added

that these personnel would be identified at a later stage so they

could be given medical attention.

According to recent figures, the force reported 95 cases of

alcoholism and drug abuse in its western sector, 70 in the

northeast, 57 in the northern sector, 45 in the eastern sector, 53

in the central sector and 35 in the Bihar sector.

She said the questionnaires would also be given to the family

members of the personnel so that those suffering in the families

could also come out and be treated.

JK Sinha said: " We think that personnel will come forward and answer

correctly in the questionnaire because the CRPF does not have a zero

tolerance policy and these personnel would remain part of the

force. "

He added that personnel should not fear for their careers and

records as they would be treated by experts and no unjust action

would be taken against them.

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