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The removal of charges for
undocumented migrants and non-UK citizens accessing HIV treatment and care in
England went into effect recently. From now on, HIV treatment will be provided
free of charge to all who need it, regardless of citizenship or immigration
status.
The move was first announced in
February and the relevant legislation passed in June. Health ministers have
justified the change on the grounds of public health, pointing to the impact
that HIV treatment has on onward transmission.
Although it was initially proposed
that free HIV treatment should only be available to people who have been living
in the UK for more than six months, this requirement has not been retained in
the legislation.
While treatment in HIV clinics will
always be free of charge, migrants living with HIV who need hospital treatment
for another health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer, or who
require antenatal care, may still be subject to charging regulations.
Moreover, the rules have only
changed in England. In Scotland and Wales, although charges for HIV treatment
have not been levied or actively pursued in recent years, the legislation still
states that HIV treatment may be chargeable. In Northern Ireland, the
legislation still states that HIV treatment may be chargeable, and these
regulations have sometimes been rigorously enforced.
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) has
called for a formal change in the law in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,
to ensure that free universal access to HIV treatment is guaranteed across the
UK.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
