According to a report published in the scientific journal 'The Lancet' India has topped the list of five mid-income countries that provide free HIV testing and counseling to people. The study compared testing and counseling facilities in India, Russia, Mexico, Uganda and South Africa. And, the study concluded that India's HIV testing was not only the best but the most cost-effective also.

 

National Institute of Public Health representative Dr. Stefano M. Bertozzi recently presented the data at the XVII International AIDS Conference and these things resurfaced. Evidently, India's HIV program is carried by NACO, and according to the report the HIV test carried out by NACO costs the government US$ 3 (Rs 120) per person.

 

Interestingly, the cost in some centers in Russia was as high as US$ 1,000. Suresh Mohammed, National Program Officer, NACO said that India may have the volumes, but that too is because people have increased awareness about the disease, and more people are coming forward to get tested. However, He concluded that testing is voluntary.