Latest news with #AmpareenLyngdoh
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Meghalaya mulling law to make HIV testing mandatory before marriage: Health minister
The Meghalaya government is thinking about making a new law to make HIV/AIDS testing mandatory before marriage in view of the rising number of cases in the state, Health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said on Friday. Meghalaya ranks sixth nationally in terms of HIV/AIDS prevalence, with the northeastern region facing a high burden overall, she said. 'If Goa has made testing compulsory, why shouldn't Meghalaya have its own set of laws? These laws would benefit the larger community,' Lyngdoh told PTI. 'The state is mentally prepared to take strong actions,' she added. The Health minister attended a meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, which was also attended by Social Welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills district to formulate a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy in a mission mode. The Heath department has been directed to prepare a cabinet note for the policy. The Health minister said the government will hold similar meetings in the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills regions to develop area-specific strategies, in consultation with bureaucrats and medical professionals. She expressed alarm over the spike in cases, revealing that East Khasi Hills alone has recorded 3,432 HIV/AIDS cases, of which only 1,581 patients are receiving treatment. 'We have spoken only about East Khasi Hills, and the number is very high. The highest in the state is unfortunately in the Jaintia Hills region, both West and East,' she said. The Health minister also stressed that while awareness is no longer a major issue, the real challenge lies in improving testing and screening. She said 159 deaths have been attributed to the loss of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment in the district. 'We must ensure that everyone who has been tested is brought into the treatment system. HIV/AIDS is not fatal if treated properly, just like cancer or TB,' she said. The minister noted that the primary mode of transmission in the state is sexual interaction, adding that injecting drug use is not yet a dominant factor due to challenges in identifying users.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
As cases rise, Meghalaya says it may mandate HIV/AIDS testing before marriage
SHILLONG: Meghalaya health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Thursday said the state could make pre-marital testing for HIV mandatory across the state as one of the steps to curb the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS. Ampareen Lyngdoh said HIV/AIDS cases in East Khasi Hills alone have doubled to 3,432, but only 1,581 patients were under treatment (X/ampareenlyngdoh) 'We are mentally prepared to take strong actions,' Lyngdoh said after a meeting chaired by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong and eight legislators from the East Khasi Hills to discuss the rising cases of HIV in their constituencies. 'The numbers are scary. And it's time Meghalaya takes the monster by its neck,' Lyngdoh declared. Lyngdoh said HIV/AIDS cases in East Khasi Hills alone have doubled to 3,432, but only 1,581 patients were under treatment. She added that 681 patients hadn't turned up for follow-ups, raising red flags over the state's ability to retain patients within the treatment net. 'Today, we discussed only East Khasi Hills. But the most alarming numbers are actually from West and East Jaiñtia Hills. The virus is no longer a threat—it's a full-blown crisis,' she warned. The minister said the government would refrain from disclosing location-specific data to prevent stigma but confirmed that Meghalaya's HIV/AIDS burden has reached critical levels. In this context, she said the government was seriously considering making HIV testing compulsory before marriage. 'If Goa can do it, why can't Meghalaya?' Lyngdoh asked, adding that the state may introduce laws for the community's well-being. Lyngdoh said they would now sit with legal experts and the department to see how legislation of this nature can be framed. We're no longer in denial,' the minister said. To be sure, Goa - like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh – has debated the idea of mandating pre-marital testing for nearly two decades but has not enacted a law. For one, it has been argued that mandating testing before marriage would have limited utility if people were having pre-marital sex. UNAIDS and WHO also strongly oppose mandatory or compulsory HIV testing and advocate for voluntary, confidential testing with informed consent. Lyngdoh said the challenge also lies in ramping up testing and ensuring access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Citing government data, Lyngdoh revealed that 159 patients have died after dropping out of ART treatment, which she called an 'unacceptable' figure. 'HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. It is manageable like cancer or TB—there's a clear treatment protocol. We just need people to come forward,' she said. However, a large number of people remain reluctant to get tested, which hinders surveillance and treatment efforts. 'There are likely many more in our communities who remain undiagnosed. That's the scariest part,' she cautioned. The minister said unlike other states, Meghalaya hadn't been able to identify the population of injecting drug users. 'That tells us our testing and tracking systems need urgent overhaul,' Lyngdoh said. The government plans to hold region-wise consultations across Garo Hills and Jaiñtia Hills, involving senior doctors and bureaucrats, before finalising a new policy. The policy blueprint, once prepared, will be brought before the cabinet.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
FM Sitharaman applauds Meghalaya's efforts in inclusive development, women's empowerment
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Laitkynsew Village, East Khasi Hills district and interacted with Women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). During her visit, she expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya's dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. She emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.' Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, was also present during the visit. Thanking the State Government for its warm hospitality, the Minister said she was leaving with 'strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state.' Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, she highlighted how Meghalaya's development journey reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. 'If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone - man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike,' the Minister said, adding that inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman praised the remarkable progress made in the health sector, particularly noting the decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate in Meghalaya as a strong indicator of on-ground transformation. She emphasised the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in bringing about this change. Since 2014, a concerted push has been made to support women's collectives by improving access to credit, training, branding support, and market linkages. The Finance Minister underscored the significance of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure that at least five women in every village earn a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh annually. 'Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Prime Minister's Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger,' she said. The Finance Minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to support Meghalaya in its ambition to build a $30 billion economy by 2030, a goal that aligns with India's broader developmental roadmap. 'To reach this target, every village must contribute. If Meghalaya achieves this vision, it will serve as a model and catalyst for the national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047,' the Finance Minister noted. She also highlighted the Centre's consistent focus on the Northeast, pointing out that Union Ministers have been visiting the region at least once a month, ensuring that policy support and monitoring continue at the highest level. The Finance Minister concluded with a strong reaffirmation of partnership between the Centre and the State, with Sitharaman stating, 'With the strong support of Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to fulfil these aspirations.' During the interaction with the Union Minister, a powerful example of grassroots empowerment came from Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong SHG, who shared how she began with a Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes and gradually expanded her business. Over time, she availed further credit, including a Rs 10000 Cash Credit loan to start a clothing shop and a Rs 1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the CLF in 2025, which enabled her to open a tea stall and a flower boutique. Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has grown from Rs 20000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG. More than financial gain, she said the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker. She expressed gratitude to the MSRLS and others who supported her journey and hoped her story would inspire more women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward success. (ANI)
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Business Standard
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
FM Sitharaman lauds Meghalaya's inclusive growth, women's empowerment
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Laitkynsew Village, East Khasi Hills district and interacted with Women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). During her visit, she expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya's dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. She emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, was also present during the visit. Thanking the State Government for its warm hospitality, the Minister said she was leaving with "strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state." Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, she highlighted how Meghalaya's development journey reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. "If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone - man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike," the Minister said, adding that inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman praised the remarkable progress made in the health sector, particularly noting the decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate in Meghalaya as a strong indicator of on-ground transformation. She emphasised the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in bringing about this change. Since 2014, a concerted push has been made to support women's collectives by improving access to credit, training, branding support, and market linkages. The Finance Minister underscored the significance of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure that at least five women in every village earn a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh annually. "Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Prime Minister's Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger," she said. The Finance Minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to support Meghalaya in its ambition to build a $30 billion economy by 2030, a goal that aligns with India's broader developmental roadmap. "To reach this target, every village must contribute. If Meghalaya achieves this vision, it will serve as a model and catalyst for the national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047," the Finance Minister noted. She also highlighted the Centre's consistent focus on the Northeast, pointing out that Union Ministers have been visiting the region at least once a month, ensuring that policy support and monitoring continue at the highest level. The Finance Minister concluded with a strong reaffirmation of partnership between the Centre and the State, with Sitharaman stating, "With the strong support of Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to fulfil these aspirations." During the interaction with the Union Minister, a powerful example of grassroots empowerment came from Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong SHG, who shared how she began with a Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes and gradually expanded her business. Over time, she availed further credit, including a Rs 10000 Cash Credit loan to start a clothing shop and a Rs 1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the CLF in 2025, which enabled her to open a tea stall and a flower boutique. Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has grown from Rs 20000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG. More than financial gain, she said the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker. She expressed gratitude to the MSRLS and others who supported her journey and hoped her story would inspire more women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward success.
