• At present 40 HIV patients are obtaining treatment

By Santha Gamage

The rate of AIDS patients have been increasing in the Hambantota District much to the anxiety of the health authorities.  

During an awareness programme for the nursing officers organised by the hospital to mark the World AIDS Day, Medical Officer of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic in the Hambantota General Hospital, Dr. Buddhika Perera said at present 40 HIV contracted patients were obtaining treatment and that there could be more patients yet to be identified. She instructed the nursing officers on protecting the secrecy of the patients and the method of treatments. Dr. Mrs. Perera pointed out that seven patients had been reported for the year and that it was a clear indication that the rate of patients were increasing and turning into a community issue.  However, she pointed out that identifying of patients had been affected by more attention being paid to the CORONA pandemic.