SHRC sends suo moto notice to Aids society over fund crunch

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sent a suo moto notice to Maharashtra State Aids Control Society (MSACS) for shortage of funds for HIV treatment, irregular distribution of condoms, and lack of drugs at Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres in the state. SHRC has made these observations based on articles published in the media.

“We have sent a suo moto notice to MSACS by acting on reports published in the media. We are yet to receive any response, as it has been sent just a few days ago. In the past one year, we have taken up 52 cases under suo moto,” said Justice Bhannurmath, chairperson, SHRC.

Meena Saraswathi Seshu, secretary general, Sangram, a NGO working in the field of HIV, said, “The State Aids Control Society (SACS) abruptly suspended HIV prevention activities in Maharashtra from January 1 this year. However, on January 6, another email was sent reversing the order. If funds are not released, patients will not be able to take medicines that might lead to multi-drug resistance. Then, it will be impossible to save them.”

Sujata Saunik, principal health commissioner, said, “For two to three months, there was a problem with the money flow from the Centre. Actually, the central government suddenly decided on the 60:40 ratio that would make the state liable to pay 40 per cent of the total budget for HIV treatment. As in the middle of a fiscal year, we asked them to review it as we were aware of it and didn’t make budgetary allocations.”

“However, from next year, we will follow the ratio. A provision has been included in the new proposal for fiscal improvement that until the state provides funds, the Centre will not release the remaining amount,” she added.