Free tests, advice on HIV now available
24/9/2005 16:50
Cai wenjun/Shanghai Daily news
All city residents
including migrants and expatriates can now receive free AIDS/HIV consultation
and testing at 20 disease prevention and control centers and the Shanghai Public
Health Center, authorities said yesterday. "Free consultations and tests are
the most effective methods for detecting HIV-positive people early and
preventing the spread of the disease," said Peng Jing, a Shanghai Health Bureau
official. "The subjects can remain anonymous during the whole process, and our
medical staff is required to respect people's privacy." Doctors will provide
consultation before any testing takes place, suggesting checks for those who
exhibit risky behavior. Follow-up consulting will take place after each test as
well. "If the person tests positive, the results are given on the spot.
Doctors will require the person to undergo a further check at the only
city-based laboratory," said Lu Wei, vice director of the Shanghai Disease
Prevention and Control Center. "If an infection is confirmed, the patient will
be included in the city's HIV/AIDS treatment network."
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