More counsellors needed to handle patients

NST: PUTRAJAYA: More qualified counsellors are needed in order to improve the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that one counsellor is needed for every 250 patients.
"We need nurses and doctors who are trained to work with HIV/AIDS patients," said Dr Chua.
"We have already begun training nurses, and our goal is to train at least 103 HIV/AIDS counsellors within the next five years," he said at a Press briefing at the Ministry.
This is but one of several steps the Government is taking to contain HIV/AIDS after the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicted that 300,000 Malaysians will be infected with HIV/AIDS by 2015 if no action is taken.
Other steps include lowering the price of methadone, and the local production of generic anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs. Treating HIV-positive Pusat Serenti inmates is also in the plan.
The Cabinet has agreed to issue tenders for the supply of methadone to reduce the retail price, said Dr Chua.
Currently only one company in Malaysia distributes methadone, and consequently the price of the drug here is one of the highest in the world, even higher than in Australia and Germany.
The Government is also aiming to reach the WHO target of treating 5,000 people with ARV drugs by this year, increasing to 25,000 by 2015, said Dr Chua.
He said that since local companies were allowed to produce generic versions of ARV drugs, the cost of treatment has dropped from RM1,000 a month to RM150.
"With this drug treatment, HIV/AIDS patients can live for 10 years to 12 years, as opposed to a year or two without treatment."
The ministry has also decided to provide treatment to Pusat Serenti inmates with HIV/AIDS. The common practice is to release them to seek treatment outside the detention centres.
Those with HIV/AIDS should complete the two-year drug rehabilitation programme while receiving treatment for their infection in the centre.
After their two years are up, they can obtain follow-up treatment outside, said Dr Chua.
The minister also suggested that at least one Pusat Serenti in every State be reserved for those with HIV/AIDS to facilitate treatment.
Dr Chua also said that more attention should be given to marginalised groups.
"Policies should be more liberal in some aspects," he said.
"Realistically, sex workers exist in all societies and they should not be hindered from receiving medical treatment," said Dr Chua.