SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today flagged off Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) Vans of the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) in Srinagar.
The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare outreach and awareness among underserved areas and vulnerable communities.
Addressing a gathering of health professionals, the Minister emphasised the urgent need to de-stigmatise HIV/AIDS and ensure a support-oriented approach for affected individuals. “People living with HIV/AIDS need to be treated with compassion and dignity. It’s not just about medical intervention, but about restoring hope and trust through counselling, awareness, and community support,” she said.
She added that those affected must be properly counselled and sensitised, so that individuals hesitant due to associated stigma can also come forward and seek medical care.
The Minister said the ICTC Vans are advanced vehicles that will aid in the fight against HIV/AIDS. These mobile units are designed to expand the reach of testing and counselling services, particularly for high-risk groups and marginalised populations in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The launch of these mobile vans is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare at the doorstep of the most vulnerable. No one should be denied access because of geography or stigma,” the Minister said.
Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah urged collective efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS from the region, noting that Jammu and Kashmir reports relatively few cases. He highlighted the role of every individual in contributing to this goal.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Deputy Director JKACS Dr Monika Vali highlighted the broader objectives of the mobile ICTC Van initiative. She noted that the vans will support early detection and strengthen preventive measures through awareness campaigns.
The Minister was briefed on the features of the vans, which are equipped for confidential counselling, blood sample collection, rapid testing, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. Each van will be operated by trained healthcare professionals to ensure sensitivity and professionalism in service delivery.
