Lack of supply by the government creating health problems in Saundatti.
The villages of Hirekumbe and Hanchinal under the Saundatti taluk of Belgavi district do not have a regular supply of condoms and sanitary pads in public health center (PHC) and sub-health center (SHC), which has resulted in various kinds of disease, especially for women.
During a visit to the PHC, boxes were found empty.
As per a report from the taluk general hospital, 50 cases of HIV has been reported so far. The taluk health officer, S.S Dafedar said “the awareness among people is less since most of them are uneducated. This is a grass root level problem. Also, people get quite uncomfortable to buy sexual products from medical stores. In the villages, there is no medical store. So, people rely on the PHC or SHC.”
According to a government scheme, a Nirodh condom is available for free at the PHC. The Shuchi pad under the Shuchi Project is usually delivered free at school to adolescents.
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Dr. B. Krishna Hanshi commented about the issue saying “the government sends the products but since the population is large and there is only one PHC that functions for three villages, the quantity falls short. We have monitored these diseases for a long time. We have been trying to increase the availability in order to safeguard the people from HIV and AIDS but it will take time. Also, regular campaigning is needed to make the people aware of the problem.”
Gynecologist Dr. Ashok Jeergyal from the taluk said “This is a common problem not just in this area but in other areas as well. The government has introduced a good scheme to provide the products but it needs to run smoothly and cannot fall short as this is an issue that needs attention all time. We have so many HIV cases reported that gets referred to the district hospital. Women here often face problems such as fungal infection, reproductive tract infection and infertility problems”
