Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches Statewide HIV Awareness Campaign on International Youth Day

Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches Statewide HIV Awareness Campaign on International Youth Day

Shimla, August 12: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a Statewide HIV Awareness Campaign on the occasion of International Youth Day. The campaign, which runs until October 12, 2024, is designed to reach the grassroots level, with activities planned across all districts of the state. The campaign will be celebrated under this year’s theme, “Click to Progress—Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development.” To mark the event, the Chief Minister flagged off an awareness chariot (vehicle) and launched a two-month-long Integrated Health Check-up Campaign.

During his address, CM Sukhu underscored the government’s commitment to integrating AIDS patients into the social mainstream. He highlighted that the government is providing a monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 to individuals receiving free treatment at Anti Retro Viral Therapy Centers. Additionally, financial aid ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 per month is being provided to children under 18 years of age who are living with HIV. To ease access to treatment, free bus travel has been made available for patients visiting treatment centers.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of free and confidential HIV testing at all government health institutions, ensuring privacy for those undergoing tests. Addressing the dual challenges of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS awareness among the youth, CM Sukhu stressed the need for concerted efforts to protect the younger generation and raise awareness.

The event featured the inauguration of an AIDS awareness exhibition and a cultural program, drawing attention to the pressing need for public education on HIV/AIDS. In his speech, CM Sukhu also raised concerns about the rising number of cancer cases in Himachal Pradesh. He announced that the government has sought assistance from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a comprehensive study on the issue. To support cancer patients, the state government is providing 42 essential medicines free of cost at government hospitals. Notably, the costly Trastuzumab vaccine, priced at approximately Rs. 40,000, has been included in the essential medicine list.

CM Sukhu also highlighted the government’s efforts to channel the energy of the youth into productive activities, particularly through sports. The state has implemented significant reforms in the sports sector, enhancing incentives for athletes to keep them away from drugs. The diet allowance for state-level sports competitions has been increased from Rs. 240 to Rs. 400, while district-level competitors now receive Rs. 300, and block-level competitors receive Rs. 240. For athletes competing outside the state, the diet allowance has been raised to Rs. 500. The government has also upgraded travel facilities for athletes, providing AC three-tier rail fare for travel up to 200 km and economy class air fare for longer distances.

In a major announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that winners of the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics from Himachal Pradesh will receive Rs. 5 crore, Rs. 3 crore, and Rs. 2 crore for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals respectively. Additionally, gold medalists in the Asian and Para-Asian Games will receive Rs. 4 crore, Rs. 2.5 crore, and Rs. 1.5 crore respectively for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

CM Sukhu also reaffirmed the government’s focus on improving education, health, and infrastructure to boost revenue and propel Himachal Pradesh towards becoming the most prosperous state in India by 2032. He announced the phased establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and the development of 850 educational institutions as ‘Institutes of Excellence’ with smart classrooms and audio-visual teaching facilities. In a move to optimize resources, schools with less than five students are being merged, and new courses are being introduced to enhance education quality.

Reflecting on his own journey, CM Sukhu shared stories of his struggles in politics and encouraged the youth to serve the nation in any way they can.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical role of youth in nation-building. He highlighted the dual challenges of protecting youth from drug addiction and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. AIDS Control Society Project Director Rajiv Kumar provided detailed information about the programs being run for AIDS awareness.

The event was attended by Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Chaudhary Ram Kumar and Sanjay Awasthy, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Harish Janartha, along with other dignitaries.

#HIVAwareness #HimachalPradesh #YouthDay2024 #ThakurSukhvinderSinghSukhu #AIDSAwareness #IntegratedHealthCheckup #CancerAwareness #SportsPromotion #EducationReform