HIV-positive individuals in Tikapur demand consistent nutritional support

Tikapur: HIV-positive individuals in Tikapur, Kailali, have demanded that the municipality maintain its regular nutritional support. For the past six years, the Tikapur Municipality has been providing 6,000 rupees per person as nutritional aid to HIV-positive individuals. The funds are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of the infected persons. Last year, 115 people in Tikapur received this support.

The budget for nutritional support last year was 750,000 rupees. Jagat Bhandari, president of the Navajeevan Ekta Samaj, an organization working for the rights of infected individuals, has demanded that the support be provided according to the previous arrangement, noting that the current year's allocation of only 300,000 rupees is insufficient.

'HIV-positive individuals are physically weak and cannot work like others,' said President Bhandari. 'The small amount provided by the municipality helps them cover their meals for a month or two. This regular support should not be reduced.'

Established in 2064 BS, the Navajeevan Ekta Samaj has been assisting with the rights, diagnosis, medical treatment, and counseling of HIV-positive individuals in Kailali. According to the society, there are 165 HIV-positive individuals in Tikapur alone.

The society provides 1,500 rupees monthly to 70 children under the age of 18 across Kailali district for nutrition and education. 'We provide a little support so they do not face problems buying books and stationery for their education,' said President Bhandari. 'Single women face many problems. After losing their husbands, they face financial hardships while being infected themselves.'

There are four ART centers established in Kailali for the treatment of infected individuals. ART services are operational at Seti Hospital Dhangadhi, Tikapur Hospital, Malakheti Hospital, and Lamkichuha Hospital.

Approximately 600 people receive ART services from Tikapur Hospital. Due to the lack of respectful treatment in society, people from one municipality often seek ART and treatment services from other municipalities or distant health institutions.

In the past, the Navajeevan Ekta Samaj provided food and shelter to distant patients coming to Tikapur Hospital for treatment.

A woman from Bardagoriya who came to Tikapur Hospital for services said, 'When I come for blood tests and other services, I sometimes have to stay for a day or two. Previously, I could eat and stay at this organization.' She added, 'Now they say they cannot accommodate me due to financial problems. How can I afford to stay in a hotel for treatment? If I get treated at nearby hospitals, everyone recognizes me, and they mistreat me once they know I am infected.'

Patients from Mohanyal Rural Municipality, Ghodaghodi Municipality, Bardagoriya Rural Municipality, Lamkichuha, Bhajani Municipality, Joshipur, Janaki, and Geruwa Rural Municipality of Bardiya come to Tikapur Hospital for treatment.

Tikapur Municipality has been providing support for the past few years by establishing specific procedures. Acting Mayor of the municipality, Ram Bahadur Nagarji, stated that the budget was reduced this fiscal year due to limited financial resources, but promised to arrange for the budget in the coming year.

'Your treatment is our first priority, and there are many other problems as well,' he said. 'The municipality has many responsibilities, and with a limited budget, some tasks cannot be done despite our desire. We will ensure the budget for the coming year.'