The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Act 2017. The implementation begun yesterday after the Act was passed last year in April.
The Act emphases the prohibition of discrimination against people suffering with HIV. This includes in terms of treatment, workplace and employment. The Act also states people can not be compelled to disclose their HIV status to obtain employment.
The Central Government is yet to issue a set of guidelines for the protocols for HIV and AID related diagnostic facilities. The State Government will be tasked with appointing a public advocate to oversee complaints.
The Act adds the action to be taken against those violating this law. It reads, “Notwithstanding any action that may be taken under any other law for the time being in force, whoever contravenes the provisions of section 4 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to two years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.”
