The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, directed both the central and state governments to submit their responses regarding the quality and procurement processes of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) drugs used in treating HIV patients across the country. The directive came while the court was hearing a plea from the NGO Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, among others, which raised concerns about the supply and quality of these crucial medications.
Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, overseeing the case, noted that only four states had responded to an affidavit previously filed by the petitioners that outlined issues concerning the procurement process and the drug quality. The bench expressed the need for comprehensive input from all states, instructing that responses be filed within a month to the affidavit submitted by the petitioners in September of the previous year.
The hearing has been scheduled to continue on April 4, allowing time for all concerned parties to prepare their submissions. In July last year, the Centre informed the Supreme Court of its efforts under the National AIDS Control Programme to ensure the uninterrupted availability of free, life-long ART drugs at designated centres across India. It reassured the court of the adequate national stock levels of all ART drugs necessary for the program.
However, the counsel for the petitioners highlighted ongoing issues, despite the reported adequacy of drug supplies. They pointed out specific concerns regarding the current procedures for drug procurement and the overall quality of the ART medications provided, suggesting that while drug availability has improved, significant issues remain unaddressed.
ART drugs are essential for the treatment of individuals infected with HIV, as they help manage the virus and prevent its progression. The plea initially argued that the non-availability of these drugs at certain ART centres run by the National AIDS Control Organisation was severely hindering the treatment and management of HIV among patients.
