Mumbai: The Indian Navy is taking proactive measures to counter the menace of HIV/AIDS among its staff, according to Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

Accepting that the Indian Navy is facing some HIV cases, Singh said today (Dec 4, 2004) that special measures are being taken by the force to control such cases.

Earlier, the Vice Admiral inaugurated a modernised tertiary care 825-bed hospital at INHS Asvini (Indian Naval Hospital Ship) on the occasion of Navy Day in Mumbai.

"We have had some cases but we are taking measures against it," he said, adding that advisories have been prepared instructions towards preventing HIV cases, which are given to sailors, especially those going abroad.

Singh said, "There had been several cases in the past with their numbers going up to more than 60 but they (cases of HIV) have now been curbed and there are just 3-4 cases right now."