Bihar: Woman loses job for being HIV positive

In a shocking case, a worker in a government's health centre in Bihar's Begusarai district was fired from her job after she tested positive for HIV.

Kalpana Devi, a worker at a primary health centre, was allegedly sacked by a doctor at the health centre in Sahebpur Kamal block in Begusarai a few days ago after he received information that she is HIV positive.

"I was removed from the job because I am HIV positive. It appears to be a crime if one tests HIV positive. I am now fighting for my survival," she told rediff.com over the telephone on Saturday.

Devi had approached district officials for justice after she lost her job, but has received little more than mere reassurances.

District health official Vinay K Jha claimed that he had ordered an inquiry into the case. "I have also sought an explanation from the doctor who fired her," Jha said.

He admitted that it was wrong to sack anybody because of his/her HIV positive status. "It is discrimination, which is against the law," he said.