No HIV screening of job seekers, employees

Protecting the rights of HIV-positive job seekers and those already employed, a policy document has asserted that their HIV screening should not be required at the time of giving jobs or extending other benefits.

It said if such screening is undertaken then employers may do "anonymous" study in accordance with professional ethics and workers should be consulted and informed before it is done.

The policy document on 'HIV/AIDS and the world of work' has been jointly prepared by Labour and Employment Ministry and National AIDS Control Organisation recently in the backdrop of swelling migrant labour population in the country.

It stated there is no justification for asking job applicants or workers to disclose HIV related personal information. Nor should co-workers be obliged to reveal personal information about fellow workers.

Personal information covered by medical confidentiality should be stored only by personnel who are "bound by rules on medical secrecy."

The document underlined that in case of medical examination, employers should be informed only of the conclusions relevant to the particular employment decision.