Strict rules on AIDS needed<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): In the wake of a scandal involving a private
\nhospital's refusal to treat AIDS patients, the Forum for HIV\/AIDS
\nAwareness is calling on the government to veraciously pursue and
\nimplement regulations against such discrimination.<\/p>\n
The forum urged the government yesterday to "uphold and
\nmonitor the relevant regulations to avoid all forms of
\ndiscrimination against people with AIDS and their families."<\/p>\n
The Forum, which is comprised of no less than 13 government
\nand non-governmental foundations and institutions along with
\nother notable figures, also called on those in the health
\nprofession to set an example in circumventing discrimination
\nagainst AIDS sufferers.<\/p>\n
A scandal erupted recently when the privately owned Medistra
\nHospital suggested to families of AIDS patients in the hospital
\nthat they move to another hospital.<\/p>\n
Medistra's suggestions prompted a strong warning from the
\nministry of health, forcing the hospital to re-evaluate their
\npolicy.<\/p>\n
In their statement the forum noted that the incident proves
\nthe need to heighten AIDS awareness in the community. "The end of
\nthe Medistra Hospital case provides a worthy lesson and heightens
\nawareness of HIV\/AIDS," it said.<\/p>\n
A member of the Forum, Harry Purnama, noted that the Medistra
\naffair should be a point of reflection for all.<\/p>\n
"HIV\/AIDS cases will continue to increase, thus the war
\nagainst the disease becomes just as important as the war against
\nmental attitudes which are uneducated, irrational and inhumane,"
\nHarry said.<\/p>\n
The first case in Indonesia was reported in Bali in 1987. The
\ncurrent official figures put the number of HIV and AIDS sufferers
\nat 316, in 15 of the country's 27 provinces.<\/p>\n
Out of this official number, 77 are reportedly full-blown AIDS
\ncases of which at least 50 have died.<\/p>\n
Despite the rather low numbers, experts here estimated that
\nthe actual number of those with the disease is up to 200 times
\nlarger that officially announced.<\/p>\n
The Forum for HIV\/AIDS Awareness is urging all government and
\nprivate institutions to establish a public health policy to
\nprevent discrimination against AIDS victims. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/strict-rules-on-aids-needed-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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