Single Window System for HIV Positive beneficiaries in state soon: Minister

MANGALURU: The state government is contemplating to introduce single window system and special 'Jan SamparkSabha' exclusively for HIV Positive persons from January 2015.
Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader said a single window system involving various departments will be introduced in all districts in the state exclusively for those diagnosed as HIV positive to facilitate them avail various government benefits including treatment, housing, self-employment schemes, ration cards etc.under one umbrella.
Participating in an interaction programme with HIV positive parents and children organised by the District Aids Control Organisation and Prajna Counselling Centre here on Saturday , Khader said the move is aimed at reducing burden of such people in availing benefits of government schemes. "The single window system is mooted as there are several complaints from HIV positive people that they have been subjected to discrimination and social stigma in the society and in government offices. To solve such issues, the proposed system involving officials from health, food and civil supplies, housing, social welfare and other departments will be introduced in Karnataka," he said.
HIV Positive beneficiaries, instead of going to various department offices, may submit applications for various government scheme benefits at one particular point. The same applications will be forwarded to the departments concerned through the new system," the minister added.
The department will also commence special Jana Samparka Sabha, grievance meet for HIV Positive persons from January 2015. "Deputy Commissioners, chief executive officers of zilla panchayats, tahsildars and officials of various departments will listen to the grievances of HIV Positive persons and make efforts to sort out issues on the spot," he added.
During the interaction, an HIV Positive woman said she was subjected to discrimination when she visited various government offices for a house. "My application for a house has been rejected. Officials have treated me in a discriminating way since I am HIV Positive," she said. Another HIV Positive woman said nurses in a government hospital refused to treat her when she was pregnant. Khader, taking note of the same, said such instances of social stigma and discrimination on HIV Positive people should be brought to the notice of the authorities concerned immediately.