In what will be seen as a controversial move the UK is set to offer free NHS treatment for foreign nationals who have HIV. Campaigners for the move claim that the government backed initiative will in the end save money and lives. Without treatment the risk of passing HIV to others, including British citizens, will be high. At a time of budget restraints on the NHS others will see this move as yet a further strain on stretched resources.Free treatment for migrants is already in place in Scotland and Wales.
The BBC reported that,
"Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "This measure will protect the public and brings HIV treatment in to line with all other infectious diseases. Treating people with HIV means they are very unlikely to pass the infection on to others."
Yusef Azad, director of policy at the National Aids Trust, said: "If someone is tested and treated early, it is much cheaper than them presenting themselves in hospital with a much more serious, complex condition that can cost tens of thousands of pounds to treat."
Professor Jane Anderson, chairwoman of the British HIV Association, said: "This is good news for people living in the UK who are HIV positive and also for public health in general."
Critics claim the decision could prompt so-called health tourism and put the NHS under further financial pressure.
But the government pledged tough guidance to ensure the measure is not abused.
The Department of Health said it would be difficult for somebody to come to the UK specifically for treatment as the process took months to administer and monitor.".
The Telegraph has reported the cost as, "It typically costs up to £7,000 a year to treat someone diagnosed with HIV and an average of £300,000 per patient over their lifetime with the disease".
The BBC reported that,
"Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "This measure will protect the public and brings HIV treatment in to line with all other infectious diseases. Treating people with HIV means they are very unlikely to pass the infection on to others."
Yusef Azad, director of policy at the National Aids Trust, said: "If someone is tested and treated early, it is much cheaper than them presenting themselves in hospital with a much more serious, complex condition that can cost tens of thousands of pounds to treat."
Professor Jane Anderson, chairwoman of the British HIV Association, said: "This is good news for people living in the UK who are HIV positive and also for public health in general."
Critics claim the decision could prompt so-called health tourism and put the NHS under further financial pressure.
But the government pledged tough guidance to ensure the measure is not abused.
The Department of Health said it would be difficult for somebody to come to the UK specifically for treatment as the process took months to administer and monitor.".
The Telegraph has reported the cost as, "It typically costs up to £7,000 a year to treat someone diagnosed with HIV and an average of £300,000 per patient over their lifetime with the disease".
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