Updated: Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:31 (IST) HIV infection is increasing in West Singhbhum district, where there are 560 patients. Patient care is affected due to shortage of staff in ART centers. 74 new cases have been reported since April 2025. The situation has become more serious due to the vacancy of posts like medical officer and counsellor. Due to lack of awareness, people are not tested in time, increasing the infection. The administration is now preparing to conduct an awareness campaign. File photo. Jagran Correspondent, Chaibasa. The situation of HIV infection in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand is getting serious day by day. Recently, the questions raised about the health system deepened after HIV-infected blood was given to five children infected with thalassemia. There are currently 560 HIV patients in the district. This includes 347 men, 198 women, 15 third gender and 15 children. The worrying thing is that since April 2025, 74 new patients have been registered, which is an indication of the rapid spread of the infection. There is a huge shortage of staff, ART center is in serious crisis. The ART (Anti Retro Viral Therapy) center operated for the treatment and monitoring of HIV patients in the district is currently facing staff crisis. The center is operated with the support of only four employees, while seven positions are required for effective operation. Remove Only Advertisement Read News The most serious situation is regarding the post of Medical Officer, which is vacant for a long time. Despite the vacancy being announced four times, not a single application was received. It is clear from this that administrative efforts are also light. Apart from this, the posts of counselor and laboratory technician are also vacant. As a result, the counselling, regular examinations, viral load monitoring and adherence follow-up of patients are directly affected. It is impractical to monitor 560 patients in such a large district with the help of only four people. It also poses a threat to both the safety and treatment of patients. Increasing cases and weak system – questions raised about accountability. HIV infection is increasing rapidly in the district, but the condition of ART centers is worse than before. The big question about the health system is how will HIV management be effective without medical officers and technical staff? Civil Surgeon Dr. Bharti Minj says that medicines and test kits are adequately available for HIV patients. But due to shortage of staff, it becomes difficult to deliver these services to the patients at the right time and in the right manner. Dr. Minz acknowledged that a large number of patients require follow-up and consultation each month. But the surveillance process is seriously hampered due to limited staff, which is a major obstacle in infection control. Lack of awareness about HIV among the people in the district is also a matter of concern. Many people are not tested in time and delay treatment, thereby increasing the infection. The administration is now preparing to conduct an awareness campaign in rural and urban areas, so that people can be tested in time and become aware of treatment. The future of 560 HIV patients depends on how long the ART center can be fully staffed. The lack of human resources in the face of increasing cases exposes the negligence of the health department.