Latest news with #SexuallyTransmittedInfections
United News of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
CM flags off e-scooters to boost HIV and health outreach in Himachal
Shimla, 25 June (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 12 e-scooters from his official residence, Oak Over, here. These scooters, provided to the Health Department through the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, will be deployed across eight districts of the state to strengthen doorstep medical services. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services—such as medicine distribution, screening, and counseling—to patients suffering from HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis. The programme seeks to improve treatment adherence and support viral load suppression among patients, ultimately enabling them to lead healthier, longer lives. Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister said, 'Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions, and NGOs have played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free is our shared responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters will further strengthen our outreach and support mechanisms,' he said. He further said that over 6,000 people in the state are currently living with HIV, most of whom have achieved viral load suppression—a reflection of the government's sustained efforts and effective policies. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the promotion of electric vehicles in the state is aligned with the government's commitment to environmental conservation, and the deployment of e-scooters for health services is a step forward in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil added that the State AIDS Control Society is actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs in universities, colleges, and industrial training institutes across the state. "The Adolescent Education Programme is also being implemented in schools. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are collaborating to spread awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth," he said. UNI XC SSP
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mum calls for change after cancer symptoms were falsely dismissed as an STI
A MUM is taking action against her GP surgery after repeated 'failings' have left her battling a terminal cancer diagnosis. Steph Washington has been left feeling angry and frustrated that, despite displaying 'classic' cervical cancer symptoms, numerous medical specialists failed to ensure that the appropriate examinations and tests were carried out to rule out a serious condition. Instead, she was repeatedly prescribed antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis and suspected Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Ms Washington, from Brierley Hill, said she waited over 12 months for her cervical cancer diagnosis, after eight appointments at Greens Health Centre in Dudley and multiple emergency hospital visits left her in constant pain, with no clear diagnosis. Ms Washington with her daughter, Kelsey (Image: Talbot Law / SWNS) After a year of "telling people she wasn't right", she was eventually given the "heartbreaking" news that she had stage four terminal cancer, with potentially only years to live. The 38-year-old said: 'I'm so angry and frustrated. My life has been completely turned upside down, I can no longer look after my two younger children, and I'm still in constant pain. 'Having a smear test in April 2022, when my symptoms first started, would have confirmed my diagnosis or at least started the process that led to diagnosis.' The mum of three has been working with Talbots Law's Clinical Negligence team and has recently been informed that Greens Health Centre has admitted medical negligence and accepted that with an appropriate level of care, Ms Washington would have received earlier treatment and potentially been cured. Ms Washington added: 'I said to my mum that I had cancer, but the medical professionals were telling me it was all in my head. 'Then, nearly a year on from first having the symptoms, I was given the devastating news that I had stage four cervical cancer – a hammer blow in every sense of the word.' Ms Washington said she is living in constant pain, is barely able to leave the house, and her two youngest children, aged 15 and 13, now have to live with their dad. Rajni Kandola, Senior Solicitor at Talbots Law, said: 'Their admission of liability and apology is bittersweet for Steph. 'Whilst the admission is welcome, it's vital that improvements are made to patient safety to prevent other women from going through what she unfortunately has.' Greens Health Centre in Dudley has accepted failings in Ms Washington's care (Image: Talbots Law) Talbots Law said they are working with the GP surgery to reach a settlement. Ms Washington is also calling for increased smear testing for women, so that no one has to experience what she has. She said: "I'm also keen to back DIY home cervical screening tests on the NHS, which would help increase the number of women being screened and ultimately save lives – it would also take away some of the anxiety and make smear tests a lot easier to access'. 'If I'd have been offered a smear test in April 2022, my outcome could have been a lot different.' Greens Health Centre were contacted for comment about Ms Washington's treatment.
