To make the HIV/AIDS tests compulsory for a couple before marriage, the Himachal Pradesh government is considering a proposal. It would help to build a foundation for a healthy society, said the State Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. He has made the announcement without giving any further details of the time frame for the implementation of the proposal.

Chief minister stated in this year’s budget speech that the state government would undertake special endeavour to inspire the youth and make them aware to undergo a test for HIV-AIDS before marriage. To achieve the objective, the state launched a mobile AIDS awareness van for the colleges and universities to make the students aware and provide the free testing facilities.  

Dhumal said the newest campaign of the state cannot succeed without the active participation and support of the public and the youth. It is the need of the hour to update the public about various health problems and suggesting the remedial steps for a cure as the state has about 477 cases of full-blown AIDS at present, with 2,511 cases of HIV infection.