SC Directs Impleadment Of All States-UTs Over Shortage Of Antiretroviral Drugs For HIV Patients

The PIL moved by NGO Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, alleges shortage of antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV patients.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter again on January 9, 2024.

Source : PTI

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed for impleadment of all States and Union Terrirories (UTs) while hearing a PIL against shortage of antiretroviral drugs in the country.

A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih today directed the petitioners to implead all states and UTs and make them a party to the case. The PIL moved by NGO Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, alleges shortage of antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV patients.

Senior Advocate Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner, informed the top court that the issue of drugs getting out of stock and shortage is still an issue and something should be done with regard to the matter.

In July, the Supreme Court had suggested a meeting between the Centre, National AIDS Control Organisation, and an organisation working for AIDS patients to discuss issues of quality and shortage of antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV patients. At that time the plea was heard by a bench comprising the then Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Referring to the shortage of antiretroviral drugs in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the bench headed by the then CJI Chandrachud said “dust has now settled” and there were enough medicines available. This came after the bench heard submissions made by NGO and Centre.

The PIL was filed in 2022 by NGO ‘Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS’, alleging shortage of antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV patients.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) involves treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using anti-HIV drugs. The plea has contended that non-availability of drugs at the AntiRetroViral Therapy Centres of the National AIDS Control Organisation hampers treatment of those living with HIV/AIDS. 

The Supreme Court will hear the matter again on January 9, 2024.