Early Times Report
Chandigarh, Apr 4 - In a significant push to accelerate Haryana’s fight against HIV/AIDS and strengthen public health infrastructure, the 23rd Executive Committee Meeting of the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS) was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra.
The meeting approved a series of progressive decisions spanning budget allocations, technological upgrades, expanded testing protocols, and cross-departmental coordination. Budget of Rs. 47.16 Crore Proposed for 2026–27. The committee approved a proposed Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2026–27 with a total outlay of over Rs. 47.16 crore. The major allocations include Rs. 16.45 crore for Targeted Interventions and LWS (Link Worker Scheme), 10.90 crore for ICTC/BSD services, Rs. 6.22 crore for Institutional Strengthening, Rs. 4.68 crore for Care, Support and Treatment (ART), Rs. 3.75 crore for IEC activities, and Rs. 1.52 crore for STI services — reflecting a well-rounded commitment to prevention, treatment, and systemic strengthening.
Second Viral Load Laboratory to Be Established in Panchkula
In a major infrastructure development, the committee noted that a second HIV Viral Load Laboratory has been approved and will be made functional at Panchkula within one month. Currently, only one Viral Load Lab at PGIMS Rohtak serves 17 districts, with five additional districts linked to IHBAS, New Delhi.
With the new lab at Panchkula, districts will be re-clustered across three Viral Load Labs — significantly improving access, reducing turnaround time, and easing the burden on the existing facility.
In addition, four new CD4 machines have been installed at Kaithal, Hisar, Panipat, and Faridabad and will be operational shortly, further strengthening the state’s diagnostic infrastructure for PLHIV (People Living with HIV) monitoring and care.
New CD4 labs to be proposed for Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College & Hospital, Karnal & Civil Hospital Panchkula. |
