Unnao HIV crisis: 5,000 people spend days in fear
The 5,000 residents of Premganj in UP's Unnao are living in worry. In three months, at least 38 of them have discovered they are HIV-positive. One is Deepchand, who was diagnosed along with his wife and son. However, he refuses to test his four daughters as he doesn't have the money to travel to Kanpur for free medication. Many have similar tales of helplessness.
The crisis, happening since long, came to light only recently
The crisis officially came to light when several people in the region tested positive for HIV. The trigger, they found, was a quack named Rajendra Yadav, who used the same syringe for many people. Incidentally, the issue was brought to the notice of former chief medical superintendent Rajendra Prasad, but he never took action. Screening camps were held only after his successor took charge.
But why were people going to the quack?
35-year-old Rajendra Yadav, who cycled from village to village offering medicines and advice at just Rs. 10, was a "savior" for the locals despite his lack of qualifications. "Yadav used to respect us and was polite. Doctors at the community health center misbehave with us," said Deendayal, one of Yadav's patients. "They asked us to get expensive medicines from specific medical stores," he added.
Despite free treatment, patients unable to take necessary care
The lure of cheap medicines has turned out to be a costly affair. Screening camps have thrown up 38 HIV-positive cases till now. Patients have to report regularly to the Kanpur ART Center for free treatment. But some like Deepchand can no longer continue working due to pain and exhaustion, and don't have the money to take his entire family to Kanpur frequently.
Meanwhile, quack arrested after a few days on the run
The crisis has spread to Chakmeera and Kidmiyapur villages too. The victims include a 70-year-old man as well as a six-year-old girl. "People are scared and aren't willing to get themselves tested," said Sunil Kumar, a municipal corporator. But in one positive development, Rajendra Yadav, who was on the run, has been nabbed. A criminal case has been filed against him in the matter.
