Over 200,000 HIV tests conducted at Bheri Hospital

By Siraj Khan

Nepalgunj, Nov. 6: Since its establishment in 2004, the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Unit at Bheri Hospital has conducted over 200,000 HIV tests, identifying 1,900 HIV-positive individuals. 

Dr. Sanket Kumar Risal, Bheri Hospital’s HIV focal person and information officer, stated that the ART service has been highly effective in diagnosing and treating individuals with HIV.

According to Dr. Risal, children born to HIV-infected parents receiving ART services have consistently tested negative, which he highlighted as a major success. 

He underscored the need for greater awareness to encourage treating HIV/AIDS like any other illness and to promote regular testing.

Currently, 588 HIV-infected individuals are on regular medication from the ART unit at Bheri Hospital, including 291 men, 258 women, 15 boys, 14 girls, and 10 others. 

ART Counsellor Indra Saini noted that Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has the highest number of patients regularly taking medication from the unit, with 114 individuals, while the lowest count is 19.

The ART unit also serves areas including, Kohalapur (83 patients), Khajura (54), Baijnath (42), Narainapur (41), Duduwa (37) and Rapti Sonari (35). 

Within Nepalgunj, Ward No. 4 has the highest number of HIV patients taking ART medication.

The ART Unit reports that 1,700 individuals have received ART services to date. 

Ram Bahadur Chand, head of the health division of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitian City, said that the sub-metropolis provides a monthly subsidy of Rs. 5,000 to HIV-infected children.