Friday, May 27 2005 11:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Bill on safeguarding the rights of the HIV-infected people is likely to be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament, an official said yesterday (May 26, 2005).

"Experts have worked out a bill on HIV/AIDS, which is likely to be introduced in Parliament in the Winter Session," Director General of the National AIDS Control Organisation said in New Delhi at the National Conference on HIV/AIDS, being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Latest estimates of HIV-infected population is 5.13 million with an increase of 28,000 that includes 9 per cent adults, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, who has been instrumental in initiating the legislation on the HIV/AIDS, said legislation and political awareness are necessary for giving a life of dignity to those infected with the virus.

He said there was a need to invest more on vaccine and microbicides against HIV by the world. The disease had already reached epidemic proportion in six States, he said.

A "Health smart Card", prepared jointly by the CII, India Development Foundation and Indian Business Trust for HIV/AIDS, was launched on the occasion. In the beginning, these cards are being given to about 300 patients, Sibal said.

The card would act as a portable medical record, play a crucial role in time-sensitive emergency situation, ensure data privacy and confidentiality, ensure immediate and easy access to medical records and ensure easy storage of data.

In view of the fact that much of the affected population is mobile, it would help in monitoring treatment to ensure adherence, he said.