CM flags off 12 e-scooters to provide doorstep medical services to patients

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 12 e-scooters here on Wednesday to ensure doorstep medical services delivery to people.

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These e-scooters have been provided to the Health Department through the State AIDS Control Society and would be deployed across eight districts of the state. The main objective is to deliver doorstep medical services including delivery of medicines, screening and counselling services to patients suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infection (SITs), tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis.

This is for the first time that such a dedicated and humanitarian outreach model has been implemented in the state to ensure that no individual is deprived of essential treatment. “This initiative would ensure the continuity of medication and significantly contribute to achieving viral load suppression among patients, thereby enabling them to live healthier and longer lives,” said Sukhu.

Commending the State AIDS Control Society and the Health department for this initiative, the CM said, “Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations have played a vital role in raising sustained awareness about HIV. Making Himachal HIV-free was our collective responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters would strengthen our ongoing efforts.”

He said over 6,000 individuals were currently living with HIV in the state and most of whom have achieved viral load suppression, a testament to the success of the state government’s policies and consistent efforts.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said the State AIDS Control Society was actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs established in universities, colleges and industrial training institutes across the state. Additionally, the Adolescent Education Programme was being implemented in schools.