The Gauhati High Court has directed the Union of India and state authorities to make adequate stock of the Anti-retroviral drug available at all times.
The Kohima Songkhupchung Serto, Justice Devashis Baruah disposed of a PIL to espouse the grievances of people living with HIV in the state of Nagaland in respect of the non-availability of Anti-retroviral drug at one point of time.
N. Mozhui, counsel appearing for the Project Director, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (respondent No.4) submitted that at no point of time there has been shortage of Anti-retroviral drug in the State.
He added that however it may so happen that sometimes at a particular station because of the sudden rise in the number of people living with HIV or people infected with HIV, the stock may have fallen short of the requirement but it is always met by taking from other stations which is eventually replenished when supply comes.
The State authorities are aware of the requirement of the medicine in the State and therefore, all efforts are always made at all times to see that the stock is maintained. In support of this statement, Mozhui submitted that he also has the latest information from respondent No.4 that stock of the medicine is available at all the stations.
Kikru Pfukha, counsel appearing for the petitioner, submits that the respondents may be directed to make the medicine available at all times.
Considering the submissions of both the counsels for the parties, the Court is of the view that the PIL can be disposed of with a direction that the respondents should make adequate stock of the Anti-retroviral drug available at all times. Accordingly, the PIL is disposed of with the direction that the respondents should make the required stock of Anti-retroviral drug available at all times.