The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, India, has released findings from its 2024 Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative, capturing feedback from 169 HIV service recipients (April–December 2024). Supported by SASEA Partnership Platform, amfAR’s TREAT Asia, and CoNE, this pioneering project tracks service quality across the AAAQ framework (Accessibility, Acceptability, Availability, Affordability, Quality).
Key Findings:
✅ Accessibility
- 52% of users advocate for extended operating hours
- 48% report long wait times, primarily due to high patient volume (99%)
- 83% commend facility cleanliness
✅ Acceptability
- 100% confirm confidentiality of HIV status
- 83% experienced no stigma/discrimination in the past 6 months
- Low awareness of India’s HIV/AIDS Act 2017 (89% unaware) and Ombudsman program (96% unaware)
✅ Availability & Treatment
- 91% received clear explanation of test results
- 92% informed about index testing; 88% advised on family testing
- 100% initiated/transitioned to TLD regimen
- 98% received medications without stockouts in the last 3 months
✅ Affordability
- 16% incurred out-of-pocket expenses for tests/medicines
- 37% paid >₹2,000 (∼$23) in the last 6 months
Conclusion:
These insights highlight RIMS’ strengths in confidentiality and treatment accessibility while identifying opportunities to reduce wait times, expand service hours, and increase legal awareness. The full data—available via the CLM Asia Dashboard—informs ongoing advocacy for patient-centered HIV care across the region.