Bihar DIGs test positive for HIV

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Bihar DIGs test positive for HIV

Prabhakar Kumar, CNN-IBN

FIGHTING AIDS: All new recruits in the Bihar Police force must carry

HIV negative certificates.

Bihar: They fight the Naxal menace, they have seen gangwars. Now,

the Bihar Police is staring into the face of a new, dreaded enemy -

one which exists within its own ranks - the HIV virus.

There are 20 reported cases of HIV positive patients in the Patna

Police hospital. Concerned by the rising numbers of HIV cases in the

state police force, doctors have forwarded some suggestions to

headquarters.

They feel that all new recruits in the Bihar Police force should

carry HIV negative certificates and that men presently serving in

the force should undergo HIV tests. They also say that such tests

should be carried out periodically.

Says police hospital doctor Dr P Ojha, " I have requested the

authorities to make sure that all police officials undergo an HIV

test. A complete health profile should be made necessary for all. "

And the government is taking the issue quite seriously especially

after the names of two senior DIG rank IPS officers figured in the

list of HIV positive cases.

Says Bihar Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah, " Doctors have reported

that there has been a considerable rise in HIV positice cases among

officers, not only among those ranked lower and constables, but

senior officials as well. "

Blood samples of the two senior officers have been sent to leading

laboratories in Delhi for further confirmation.

The problem lies not in the fact that two senior DIG rank officials

have tested positive for HIV. The real problem lies in the fact that

a large number of the police force has not undergone any test.

The real numbers of those suffering from the dreaded virus could be

mind-boggling and the government's intervention is expected before

the situation compeletly gets out of hand.

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