Scotland agrees to free HIV treatment, regardless of residency status
27 May 2014. Related: Other news.
NAT press statement
Changes to the NHS in Scotland now mean that HIV will be exempt from charging rules, irrespective of residency status. [1]
This brings HIV treatment inline with TB, sexual health services (including HIV testing) and infectious diseases.
Similar changes were introduced in England in 2012.
Yusef Azad, director of policy and campaigns at National AIDS Trust, said: “This change will ensure destitute asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants are able to get the essential healthcare needed while living in Scotland. It is also a step to safeguard the public health of communities, as HIV treatment has been shown, when successful, to make it practically impossible for someone to pass HIV on to others.” [2]
References:
- The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2014/70/made - NAT press release: HIV charities welcome free treatment for everyone living in Scotland. (01 May 2104).
http://www.nat.org.uk/News-and-Media/Press-Releases.aspx