AIDS: the epidemic no one wants to touch
Sahgal, P.N.
Health for the Millions 16(2): 10-11
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-8685 PMID: 12316353 Document Number: 369768
In February 1990, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences issued a memorandum stating that no patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) would be accepted into its hospital until a special AIDS Unit was established. This position was taken in response to fears on the part of medical staff and physicians that they are at risk of contracting the AIDS virus through patient contact. However, such a stance is contrary to scientific evidence that AIDS transmission can be prevented in medical settings if appropriate precautions are taken and ignores the responsibility on the part of government health facilities to provide care to all patients in need. The basis of AIDS prevention in medical facilities is the avoidance of needle sticks in the handling of potentially contaminated, sharp instruments. Among the precautionary guidelines recommended by the objects with household bleach; the wearing of gloves, a gown, mask, and eye protection in all contact with potentially infected bodily fluids; provision of a special container for discarded needles; and the use of sealed bags for soiled linen and reusable supplies. There is no need to isolate patients with the AIDS virus unless they are too sick to maintain personal hygiene or have central nervous system involvement that is producing behavioral disorders.