Patna: In a deeply concerning development for public health in Bihar, the number of people living with HIV in the state has crossed the one-lakh mark. The disclosure was made by Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey during a session of the Bihar Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Responding to a calling-attention motion raised by Dr. Rajvardhan Azad and other members, the minister informed the House that 1,00,044 individuals in the state have tested HIV positive so far. The revelation has triggered serious concerns about the rising spread of the infection and the preparedness of the healthcare system.
AIDS Issue Echoes in the House
Nine members of the Legislative Council raised the matter, expressing alarm over the growing number of infections and seeking clarity on preventive and treatment measures. The House was informed that 13 districts in Bihar have now been categorized as ‘high risk’ zones, where the rate of infection is significantly higher than the state average.
Health officials indicated that intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns are being planned for these districts.
District-Wise Data: Patna Tops the List
According to data presented by the Health Department:
- Patna leads with 8,270 confirmed HIV cases
- Gaya follows with 5,760 cases
- Muzaffarpur reports 5,520 cases
- Sitamarhi has 5,026 cases
- Begusarai has 4,716 cases
- Bhagalpur has 3,078 cases
The concentration of cases in urban and semi-urban centers has raised concerns about migration, awareness gaps, and access to early testing.
Testing and Free Counseling Services
The minister stated that the state currently operates 196 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across various government health institutions. These centers provide free HIV testing, counseling, and medical guidance to citizens.
The government has emphasized early detection and treatment as critical strategies to contain the spread of the infection.
Financial Assistance Under Welfare Scheme
To support affected individuals and help integrate them into the social mainstream, the state government is implementing the ‘Bihar Shatabdi AIDS Peedit Kalyan Yojana’.
Under the scheme:
- Each HIV-positive individual receives ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance.
- Up to two dependent children below 18 years of age receive ₹1,000 per month under a family support provision.
For the financial year 2025–26, the government has already transferred ₹63.81 crore directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts till December 2025.
Minister Mangal Pandey assured the House that the government remains fully committed to disease control, prevention, and public awareness initiatives.
Growing Public Health Concern
The crossing of the one-lakh threshold marks a significant moment for Bihar’s public health landscape. Experts stress that beyond medical intervention, social awareness, stigma reduction, and preventive education will play a crucial role in containing the spread of HIV.
With 13 districts now in the high-risk category, the coming months will be critical in determining how effectively the state can curb further transmission.
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