Srinagar, June 24: Minister of Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sekeena Itu, today, flagged off the Mobile Integrated Counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) van of Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKAC) here.
The objective of this initiative was to strengthen healthcare outreach and awareness among people from underscribed areas and weak communities.
Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah; Director schemes; Project Director, JKACS; Director family welfare and vaccination; Director Ayush; Principal GMC Srinagar; chief Medical Officer; Senior JKACS officials; The Health Department and other concerned officials were present on the occasion.
Addressing a gathering of health professionals, the minister emphasized the immediate need to de-convert HIV/AIDS persons and ensure a support-oriented approach to the affected individuals. He said, “People living with HIV/AIDS need to remain in hand with compassion and dignity. It is not only about medical intervention, it is about proper consultation, awareness and restoration of hope and trust through community support”, he said.
He commented that people affected by this virus should be consulted, sensitive and properly seen, so that people who hide it due to the stigma associated with it can also come forward and seek proper medical treatment.
The minister further said that these ICTC vans are high -end vehicles that will effectively contribute to fighting this virus. He said that the purpose of these mobile ICTC vans is to expand the access to HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services in remote and underscribed areas of Jammu and Kashmir, especially targeting high -risk groups and marginalized population.
The minister said, “The launch of these mobile vans is a will for the government’s resolve to bring the best health service services to the doorstep of the weakest people. No one should be denied access to geography or stigma,” the minister said.
Dr. Syed Abid Rashid called upon everyone to re -prepare his efforts to wipe the virus completely as Jammu and Kashmir have minimum cases of this virus. He also spoke to society about the role of every person in eradicating this virus.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Deputy Director, JKACS, Dr. Monica Wali spoke about the broad aspects of the mobile ICTC van.
He further said that this initiative will also help in the initial detection of this virus among the affected persons and will also strengthen prevention measures due to awareness.
On this occasion, the minister was also informed about the specialties of these mobile ICTC vans. They were informed that these vans are equipped with facilities for confidential counseling, blood sample collection, rapid testing and IEC (information, education and communication) awareness campaigns.
It was also given that these vans would be operated by trained health professionals, which would ensure both sensitivity and professionalism in every interaction.