Thiruvananthapurm, Mar 28 (UNI) Drug users who shared syringes tested HIV-positive in Kerala is a shocking revelation, senior Congress leader and AICC Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala said.
The Kerala is slowly moving to a situation requiring a 'Health Emergency' due to rising number of health issues related to drug use, the former Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly felt.
Gangs of drug users in all the districts should be identified and ensure medical examination of such people to control the spread of many deadly diseass, he added.
"The services of ASHA workers are very essential in this critical time and the Left Government must take steps to end their indefinite strike. The legitimate rights of ASHA workers demanding wage increase should be recognized and they should be sent to the field as soon as possible."
The Government needs to move into a health emergency mode, keeping in mind the rehabilitation of drug users and contain the spread of deadly diseases, he said.
Special training should be provided to health workers for identifying drug users and those with serious diseases.
It is completely irresponsible from the part of the Government to allow ASHA workers to continue their strike when the State is facing a major health crisis, he felt.
About 10 drug users including three migrant labours who shared syringes for shooting up drugs have tested positive for HIV at Valanchery in Malappuram district. This was detected during a health inspection conducted as part of the State’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.
UNI DS KK