Himachal CM Sukhu launches statewide HIV awareness campaign on International Youth Day

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 12 (ANI): Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the HIV awareness campaign on the occasion of International Youth Day and emphasized the government's efforts to integrate AIDS patients into the mainstream of society.
To be implemented at the village level across all districts of the state, this awareness programme will be celebrated under the theme 'Click to Progress-Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development' this year and it will continue till October 12, 2024. The Chief Minister also flagged off an awareness chariot (vehicle) and launched a two-month-long Integrated Health Check-up Campaign, stated an official statement.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's efforts to integrate AIDS patients into the mainstream of society. He said that the government was providing financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to individuals receiving free treatment at Anti Retro Viral Therapy Centers and rupees three to rupees eight hundred per month to the children of persons living with HIV under 18 years of age. Additionally, free bus travel has also been provided to those coming for treatment.

Apart from this free HIV testing is available at all government health institutions, ensuring privacy for those tested. He also highlighted the challenges of protecting youth from drug addiction and raising awareness about AIDS and HIV. The event also featured the inauguration of an AIDS awareness exhibition and a cultural programme.
Raising concern about the increasing number of cancer cases in the state, Sukhu said that the government has reached out to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a study on it. As of now, the government is providing 42 essential medicines free of cost to the cancer patients in the government hospitals. Medicines like the Trastuzumab vaccine costing around Rs 40 thousand have also been included in the essential medicine list.
To channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction, the government was promoting sports activities in a big way and has brought many reforms in the sector so that they may stay away from drugs. The incentive being given to the sportspersons of the state has been enhanced.
For state-level sports competitions, the diet allowance has been increased from Rs 240 to Rs 400, Rs 300 for district-level and Rs 240 for block-level competitions. Players participating in competitions outside the state now receive rupees five hundred for diet allowance. He said that travel facilities have also been upgraded with AC-three-tier rail fare provided for travel up to 200 km and economy class air fare for distances over 200 km.
The winners of the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics would get rupees five crore, rupees three crore and rupees two crore for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Additionally, gold medalists in the Asian and Para-Asian Games would receive Rs 4 crore, Rs 2.5 crore, and Rs 1.5 crore respectively for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
He added that the government was also focused on improving education, health, and infrastructure to boost revenue. Himachal Pradesh aims to become the most prosperous state in the country by 2032. He also mentioned revolutionary changes in the education sector, including the phased establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and the development of 850 educational institutions as 'Institutes of Excellence' with smart classrooms and audio-visual teaching facilities. Schools with less than five students were being merged and new courses were being introduced to enhance education quality.
He also recalled his days of struggle during his political journey and motivated youth to serve the Nation in whatever way they could. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized the critical role of youth in nation-building. He said that youth have an important role in nation-building and it was a big challenge to save the youth from drug addiction besides, making them aware of AIDS and HIV.
Welcoming the Chief Minister, AIDS Control Society Project Director Rajiv Kumar gave detailed information about the programs being run for AIDS awareness. Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Chaudhary Ram Kumar and Sanjay Awasthy, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Harish Janartha along with other dignitaries were present. (ANI)