Acting on a plea issued by The Indian Network for People living with HIV/AIDS(INP), the apex court has issued a notice to the Central government and relevant authorities, seeking  answers to concerns raised by a plea that claims a deficit in the supply of anti HIV medication needed in the country, specifically in that of drugs needed for Antiretroviral Therapy . 

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the medical treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using a series of anti-HIV drugs.

The INP is a Chennai based national non profit organization and  community that aims for the betterment and aid for people suffering from HIV/ AIDs in India. The plea contended that non-availability of drugs at the Antiretroviral Therapy Centers of the National AIDS Control Organization results in hampering ARV treatment of the people living with HIV/AIDS.

Based on the issue presented, a bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli have  issued notices to The Ministry of Health,  The National AIDS Control Organization and other key institutions and asked for their statement on the claims made.

“The petitioners have submitted that there are shortages in the procurement of ART drugs in the country and the tender for 2021-22, which was due in August 2021, was issued in December 2021 and eventually failed. Issue notice, returnable in two weeks,” the bench said.