4 test HIV+ in Muktsar; villagers seek survey, awareness drives
Tribune News Service
Muktsar, July 31
After three drug addicts from Gurusar village and the wife of one of them were found to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, villagers have demanded a survey and awareness campaign to keep a check on the disease.
Notably, five addicts, all aged below 40, were recently admitted to Gidderbaha Civil Hospital with the efforts of the anti-drug committee in the village. Out of them, while three tested positive for HIV, all five of them tested positive for the hepatitis-C virus (HCV). After undergoing de-addiction treatment for four-five days, they were shifted to the rehabilitation centre at Thehri village here.
“Our village has nearly a hundred people who are allegedly injecting drugs. They should be motivated to undergo tests to save lives. The Health Department officials should come to our village and spread awareness among people about the deadly diseases that can be caused due to intravenous administration of drugs. It has been observed that most people are reluctant to undergo medical examination due to several myths and a lack of awareness,” said Harwinder Singh, a resident of Gurusar village.
Gurlal Singh Aulakh, an active member of the anti-drug committee of the village, said, “Our committee has 104 members. We have managed to take five drug addicts to the hospital for treatment, so far. Besides, two more addicts are being taken to the hospital today. However, the percentage of HIV and HCV positive cases has us worried.”
Gurlal further said one of their committee members, Ranjit Singh, yesterday got injured after a suspected drug peddler hit him with his motorcycle. Ranjit, who has been admitted to the Gidderbaha Civil Hospital, said, “Our fight against drugs will continue. Such incidents can’t weaken us in our mission to make our village drug free.”
Notably, 725 HIV-positive patients were detected in the 2023–24 across the district. “Using a syringe multiple times to inject drugs, mostly ‘chitta’, is the major reason for the increase in these cases,” said a doctor.
