PHILOSOPHY OF HEALTHCARE FOR PLHIV

1.    PLHIV do not have optimal health status: when HIV is in the body, physical health is damaged (impacts on biological functions), and mental health is also at risk (impacts on social functions) for themselves and their relatives.

2.    HIV infection is sometimes a consequence of both personal and social problems. Health issue of PLH is most effectively resolved with a comprehensive appraisal of patients’ specific living environments.

3.    With the goal of patient and community health, the individual, families, community and health and social protection sectors should combine their efforts. The main essential services include:

a.     Provision for patients and prevention of epidemics

b.    Early detection, early management and treatment counseling

c.     Diagnosis and plan for treatment, preventive and care schemes

d.    Provision of treatment services, monitoring and outcome assessment

4.    OPCs for PLHIV are specialised facilities that are responsible for:

a.     Assessments and making conclusions about health status

b.    Making plans to provide comprehensive health care for patients in terms of both physical and mental health

c.     Providing health care services for patients

d.    Collaborating with the community and other agencies of the government system to implement the principle of comprehensive care.

e.     Also, manage patient files, monitor and assess quality of care for patients.