HIV positive widow ostracised in village

In yet another instance of social ostrasication of AIDS/ HIV positive affected, a widow in Kasimpur village under Remuna block of the district has been forced to lead the life of an outcast along with her three children.

Destiny played a dirty game with 30- year-old Basanti (name changed) after her husband Laxman Das died of the killer disease.

Laxman contracted the virus while working in Mumbai port. He returned to Balasore earlier this year and died on June 21. In a matter of few days, Basanti tested HIV positive and was socially boycotted.

Worse, even though her children are yet to be tested positive, they are not being allowed to mingle with other children in the village. Basanti’s in-laws want to help her out but are unable to do so due to financial constraints and the villagers’ ire.

Although there are provisions to provide free medicines to HIV patients, no such step is being taken by the district health authorities for this widow. Besides, she is deprived of other financial benefits as she isn’t a BPL card-holder.

Contacted, Balasore Collector A C Padhiary said he was not aware of the case. However, he promised to conduct an inquiry into the matter and provide Basanti all possible help as per Government rules and regulations.
souce:www.newindpress.com