Free Access To HIV Treatment In 10 Hospitals And 13 Health Centers In Surabaya

SURABAYA - The Surabaya City Health Service stated that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment can be accessed for free by the public at 10 hospitals and 13 health centers in Kota Pahlawan, East Java.

Head of the Surabaya City Health Office (Dinkes) Nanik Sukristina said his party also provided easy access to free HIV testing to the public, including those from outside the city of Surabaya.

"This inspection can be carried out for free at 63 health centers, 54 hospitals, one community-based clinic and one clinic belonging to the port health office," he said, quoted by Antara, Friday, January 21.

Nanik said that of all cases in 2021 that were found, 29 percent were residents outside the city of Surabaya. This is because there are referral hospital patients from outside the city who are tested for HIV because they are suspected of being infected with the virus.

"Thus increasing the scope of the number of case finding in the city of Surabaya," said Nanik.

He explained that the Surabaya City Government was conducting intensive HIV education and screening/testing for groups with risky behaviors. Such as, transvestites, sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users by health workers.

"Including outreach officers and HIV Care NGOs in partnership with the Health Office," he said.

Not only that, he continued, HIV screening was also carried out for pregnant women, prospective brides, entertainment workers, crew members (ABK), all TB patients, patients with sexually transmitted infections and other diseases suspected of having HIV infection.

According to him, the intensification of testing aims to find cases early. That way, it is hoped that comprehensive treatment can immediately be carried out and the patient does not transmit the virus to others. Furthermore, treatment monitoring was carried out with HIV Viral Load examination.

For residents of Surabaya City who need it, they can also get food support and additional food in the form of milk. This support is expected to maintain their health condition.

"In addition, HIV assistance, counseling and home visits are also carried out to strengthen the patient's psychological condition," he said.

However, Nanik emphasized, the most important effort in controlling HIV is to continue to provide education and outreach to groups vulnerable to infection.

"For example, to junior high/high school students, university students, groups of workers in the entertainment world and the general public at large," he said.