Meghalaya: The Meghalaya government is considering introducing a new law to make HIV/AIDS testing mandatory before marriage, citing a rise in cases across the state, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said on Friday.
Lyngdoh noted that Meghalaya ranks sixth nationally in HIV/AIDS prevalence, while the entire North-Eastern region carries a high burden of cases. “If Goa has made testing mandatory, why shouldn’t Meghalaya have its own laws? These laws will benefit the community. The state is mentally prepared to take strict action,” Lyngdoh said.
The Health Minister attended a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, with Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills district also present, to formulate a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy in mission mode.
The health department has been directed to prepare a cabinet note for the proposed policy.
