The Bill on safeguarding rights of the HIV-infected people is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament, an official said on Thursday.
"Experts have worked out the bill," director general of the National AIDS Control Organisation said at the National Conference on HIV/AIDS, being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi.
Latest estimates of HIV-infected population is 5.13 million with an increase of 28,000 that includes nine per cent adults, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, science and technology minister Kapil Sibal, who has been instrumental in initiating the legislation on the HIV/AIDS, said legislation and political awareness are necessary for giving a life of dignity to those infected with the virus.
A "Health smart Card", prepared jointly by the CII, India Development Foundation and Indian Business Trust for HIV/AIDS, was launched on the occasion. To start off, these cards are being given to about 300 patients, Sibal said.
The card would act as a portable medical record, play a crucial role in time-sensitive emergency situation, ensure data privacy and confidentiality, ensure immediate and easy access to medical records, and ensure easy storage of data.
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