Presently, the first line and second line antiretroviral therapy (ART) is given to HIV/AIDS patients free of cost in all ART Centres across the country. The Technical Resource Group on ART on 27th December, 2013 recommended providing third line antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients through 10 centres of excellence across the country. The process for the same has been initiated at Department of AIDS Control.
Viral load testing is provided free of cost to all those eligible for ART as per guidelines across the country. As per the HIV/AIDS Bill, the Central Government or the State Government shall take measures for providing, as far as possible, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and Opportunistic Infection (OI) management to people living with HIV/AIDS.
This was stated by Shri Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 18th Feb, 2014.
