Mon Nov 18 17:46:46 UTC 2024: **Tamil Nadu AIDS Workers Urge Chief Minister to Halt ICTC Closures**
**Chennai, November 18, 2024** – The Tamil Nadu AIDS Control All Employees’ Welfare Association is calling on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to intervene and prevent the closure of 104 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in government hospitals across the state. The Union government’s decision to shutter these vital centers has sparked outrage from the association, who argue it will negatively impact people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).
In a recent meeting, the association resolved to push for the continued operation of the ICTCs, citing concerns for the welfare of PLHAs. They also demanded the creation of a dedicated welfare board for PLHAs, mirroring the existing board for transgender persons.
Further demands made by the association include salary increases and job security for primary health centre (PHC) staff working in AIDS control, urging the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS) to honor previously agreed-upon salary hikes and arrears. They also seek the regularization of TANSACS employees, similar to the practice in Manipur, and the payment of gratuity to retired employees.
First Piper 