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Metro Plus
An alarming scenario
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There has been a steady rise in the number of people affected with AIDS. But there are very few hospitals that offer medical help. One such is the Tambaram Sanatorium.
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IT IS common knowledge that the Tambaram Sanatorium treats patients with tuberculosis. But very few know that the hospital also takes care of HIV positive patients. In fact, three wards have been specially allotted for AIDS patients, with nurses constantly attending to the inmates.
The case of Albert (name changed) is typical. He went to the Government hospital in his native Namakkal, complaining of high fever.
It was discovered that he had contracted the disease, probably while working at a mechanic shop in Bombay. He reveals that the awareness levels in the place where he worked in Bombay and in his native town were low. ``Even in my case, diagnosis of the disease was quite accidental," he disclosed.
Sheela, a pregnant woman, says her husband, working and living in Krishnagiri, was the first to contract AIDS.
``He knew he had it, but he never told me. I was devastated when doctors said that I am infected with HIV,'' she says tearfully.
In both these cases, not many are aware of their condition. Case histories suggest that most often than not, the disease spreads sexually.
More than 300 patients at the Tambaram Sanatorium are affected with AIDS and according to the hospital statistics, there was an increase of 200 cases between March and October this year. Around 4,138 cases had been registered in the same period.
As Dr. S. Rajasekaran, Deputy Superintendent of the hospital, put it, "Most of the patients are from rural areas. They contract the disease during their visits to the cities. And about 27 per cent patients are women who are affected because of their husbands."
He adds, "The increase in cases only suggests that awareness programmes haven't reached the rural mass, who are presumed to be safe.''
The only consolation for villagers like Aesuswamy, is the support they get from the family and community. ``In my village (Chengi), no one is aware of AIDS. They felt strange when they knew I had contracted the disease. But they visit me regularly and offer support,'' says Aesuswamy.
It is quite a task for the doctors, who have to tell the patients the bitter truth. ``We had some difficulties initially. But, now we feel the need to treat them like others, as it would create an awareness,'' says Dr. Ravichandran, assistant professor. Apart from medicines to stop infections like T.B., some anti-retro-viral drugs are also administered to the patients. ``We are also trying out some Siddha drugs to strengthen their immune system,'' says the doctor.
Therapies are supplemented by a protein-rich diet, with an in-house dietician monitoring the diet prescribed.
``But the problem is that even medical practitioners are apprehensive to treat AIDS victims. We have two vacancies for medical officers in our HIV section but no one has come forward as yet to fill them. I feel it is perfectly safe to work with the HIV infected with proper protection,'' says Dr. Ravichandran.
Visiting the wards would disprove the general notion about AIDS. Apart from the fact that awareness is not widespread, the extent to which the disease has penetrated into the rural society is quite alarming.
It also reveals the sudden increase of disease among women. "The only way to put a check to the spread of the disease is by establishing a participatory mechanism, which integrates efforts by the Government, the NGOs and communities.
It is high time everyone realised the need for action,'' concludes Dr. Rajasekaran.
L. SUBRAMANI
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