The number of HIV patients receiving treatment in Haryana has more than doubled in the past five years, with the rise greater among males (over 144 %) as compared to females (close to 98 %).
Chandigarh: According to state health department data, the number of patients suffering from HIV receiving treatment in Haryana hospitals has witnessed more than a hundred percent increase in the past five years, which include over 144 per cent rise among males recorded over 144 per cent as compared to females recorded as nearly 98 per cent. Information reveals that the number of HIV patients receiving treatment in Haryana has more than doubled in the past five years. As per government record on 1st December 2024, it was stated that 15,371 HIV patients were receiving treatment under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) in Haryana in 2019-20, which included 8,813 men, 6,525 women and 33 third-gender patients and the number increased to 16,085 in 2020-21 having 4.6 per cent rise. However, an increase in HIV patients was seen in 2021-22 when the number of patients increased to 21,796 with a 35.5 per cent jump comprising 12,767 men, 8,960 women and 69 third-gender patients.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of HIV patients in Haryana increase in the state continued rising in 2022-23 also, witnessed a further increase of 31.6 per cent bringing in HIV patients increased to 28,677, which included the number of male patients rose to 17,427, female patient reached 11,161 and 89 third-gender individuals had treatment. Similarly, in 2023-24 the total number of HIV patients getting treatment in hospitals further increased to 34,535 having a 20.4 per cent rise, which included 21,526 male patients, 12,899 female patients and 110 third-gender patients. According to data, in comparison to Haryana, the Punjab state reported higher numbers of 63,554 HIV patients in 2023-24 reflecting a 12.4 per cent rise from 2022-23, Himachal Pradesh had 5,640 patients receiving treatment in 2023-24 having 7.4 per cent increase of patients suffering from HIV as compared to the previous year. According to available data, Chandigarh is the only state or union territory to record a decline in the number of HIV patients over the past five years with a decrease in the number of HIV patients from 6,480 in 2019-20 to 5,120 in 2023-24.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nationally, the total number of HIV patients reached 16.89 lakh in 2023-24, having an increase of 7.3 per cent over the previous year. The NACP, in 1992 launched a scheme implemented through 36 state AIDS control societies or district AIDS control societies under the respective state governments. The Centre provides grant-in-aid to these societies annually, based on their approved annual action plans. Four phases of the NACP, including the extension phase of NACP IV, were completed by March 2021. According to information, currently, Phase V of the NACP, fully funded by the Centre, is being implemented to prevent the spread of HIV infections and to ensure that more than 99.5 per cent of the country’s population remains HIV-free. This five years phase with effect from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2026 have an allocated budget of Rs 15,471.94 crore for prevention, detection, treatment and patient retention of this dreaded disease.
