Overview
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. In India, around 2.1 million people live with HIV, with approximately 87,000 new cases each year. This virus affects individuals and has a widespread impact on families and communities, presenting a significant public health challenge.
Understanding HIV treatment options is crucial for managing the virus effectively. Proper treatment can improve health and quality of life and help prevent the spread of HIV. Knowledge about treatments like Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.
Are you looking for the best HIV treatment options in India? Click here to find the top hospitals and make an informed choice today!
Some patients display flu-like symptoms about two to four weeks after exposure. These symptoms are usually mild, making it difficult to identify the underlying virus.
It can only be diagnosed by blood or saliva testing. Depending on the possible time of exposure, you might be advised to undergo an antibody test, an antigen/antibody test, or a nucleic acid test.
India has some of the best hospitals and doctors for HIV treatment.
Let’s have a look! Take charge of your health and your life. Contact us today!
Best HIV Doctors in India
Finding a well-qualified doctor who makes you comfortable is the most important part of any treatment.
To make this decision a little easier, we have created a city-wise list of the best HIV specialists for you.
Delhi
Dr. Shriyans Jain
- Dr. Shriyans Jain has an MD in Medicine and over 15 years of experience treating HIV patients.
- He is a recipient of the ‘Healthcare Excellence Award’ for his contributions to HIV care.
- He currently practices in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi.
Dr. Vinod Raina
- Dr. Raina has an MD in medicine and 21 years of experience.
- He is a recipient of the ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sewa Ratna Award.’
- He currently practices in the Saket area of New Delhi.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Delhi.
Mumbai
Dr. Ishwar Gilada
- Dr. Gilada is an HIV specialist with 41 years of experience.
- He was responsible for India’s first AIDS clinic at J J Hospital.
- He is also a recipient of several state and national awards.
- He currently practices at Grant Road.
Dr. Viplav Vaidya
- Dr. Vaidya is an HIV specialist with a post-doctoral fellowship in Infectious Diseases.
- He has an experience of 10 years.
- He currently practices in Ashirwad Hospital, Chunnabhatti East.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Mumbai.
Hyderabad
Dr. Bendadi Kumar
- Dr. Kumar is an HIV specialist with over 39 years of experience.
- He currently practices at Dr. K. Bendadi Clinic in Secunderabad, Hyderabad.
Dr. Ch Vijay Bhasker Reddy
- Dr. Reddy is an HIV Specialist with 11 years of experience.
- He currently practices in LB Nagar, Hyderabad.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Hyderabad.
Bangalore
Dr. Anagha Nawal
- Dr. Nawal is an HIV specialist with 22 years of experience.
- She practices at Pristyn Care Clinic in Malleshwaram.
Dr. Shashidhar B
- Dr. Shashidhar is an HIV specialist with an MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
- He has an experience of 20 years.
- He currently practices at Androplus Advanced Andrology and Reproductive Medicine in Indiranagar.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Bangalore.
Kolkata
Dr. Ashmi Bhattacharya
- Dr. Bhattacharya is an HIV specialist with 10 years of experience.
- She practices at Pristyn Care Clinic in Sector 2, Kolkata.
Pune
Dr. Amit Sakaria
- Dr. Sakaria is an HIV specialist with 18 years of overall experience.
- He currently practices at Prudent International Health Clinic, Kalyani Nagar.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Pune.
Chennai
Dr. Karthik Gunasekaran
- Dr. Gunasekaran is an HIV specialist with an overall experience of 28 years.
- He currently practices at Metromale Clinic & Fertility Center in T Nagar.
Click here to get more doctors for HIV treatment in Chennai.
Best Hospital for HIV Treatment in India
It is difficult to pinpoint a good hospital for treatment. Not only do you have to consider financial constraints, but you must also ensure the hospital is well-equipped with the latest technology.
You can stop worrying now because we have created a city-wise list of the best hospitals for HIV treatment in India.
Your well-being is our priority - call us to book your appointment today
Delhi
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Established in 1996, this hospital is NABL and JCI accredited.
- They have 52 specialities, including HIV treatment specialization.
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BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- This hospital was established by an eminent gynecologist, Dr. B.L. Kapur.
- It is both NABH and NABL accredited.
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Mumbai
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
- This is a premier hospital in Mumbai, accredited by JCI, NABH, and NABL.
- It is the only hospital that follows the ‘Full-Time Specialist System.’
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Jaslok Hospital and Research Center
- Jaslok Hospital is a multi-speciality hospital that was established in the 1960s.
- It is NABH and NABL accredited.
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Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills
- Apollo Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital that was established in 1988.
- It is the first hospital in the world to be accredited by the Disease or Condition-Specific Care Certification (DCSC).
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Continental Hospitals
- This NABH-accredited hospital was established in 2013.
- It is the first hospital in the Indian subcontinent to obtain the ‘Gold Seal’ in the first attempt.
- This hospital also won the ‘National Excellence in Healthcare Award’ in 2014.
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Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road
- This hospital is accredited by both NABH and NABL.
- Most of the doctors in this hospital are affiliated with various institutions across UK, US, and Australia.
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Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road
- Medical Travel and Tourism Quality Alliance (MTQUA) ranks this hospital as the number one medical tourism destination in India.
- It has won several awards, including the Healthcare and Social Care Support Award and the Excellence in Facility Management Award.
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Kolkata
Apollo Gleneagles Hospital
- It is a 700-bed multi-specialty hospital.
- Some of the top medical specialists in Kolkata practice at this hospital.
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Kerala
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Kochi
- This hospital is accredited by both NABH and NABL, and it has 12 super speciality departments.
- Some of the most highly qualified medical professionals in Kochi practice at this hospital.
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VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi
- This 500-bed multi-speciality hospital is one of the biggest hospitals in Kerala.
- This hospital has innovative medical technologies, making it one of the largest academic institutions in Kerala.
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Pune
Apollo Jehangir Hospital
- Jehangir Hospital is a multi-speciality hospital established 77 years ago.
- It was awarded ‘Best Hospital in Western Region’ by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
- It has several accreditations, including NABL and NABH.
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Chennai
Apollo Hospital, Greams Road
- It is the first Indian hospital to be awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
- It is also NABH and JCI accredited.
- This hospital has also been declared a ‘Center of Excellence’ by the Government of India.
- View More
HIV Treatment Cost in India
It is time to find out how HIV treatment affects your bank account.
HIV treatment cost in India depends on several factors, including:
- The facility you choose to get your treatment from
- The clinical stage of HIV
- Your past medical history
- Any opportunistic infections or other diseases you might contract
The cost of first-line HIV medicine in India is 5,000 to 7,000 INR (66 to 90 USD) per month. Second-line HIV medicine cost in India will cost 35,000 INR (460 USD) per month. This is significantly less than most other countries.
Do you think you will receive poor treatment?
Not at all.
The reason HIV treatment is cheaper in India is because of the lower cost of living.
Curious to know the cost of HIV treatment in other countries?
We have answers.
Free HIV Treatment in India
India is home to several NGOs that facilitate infected individuals in receiving free HIV treatment.
Not just this, they also undertake initiatives to provide nutrition and additional medical support to vulnerable patients.
Organizations like the Asha Foundation and End AIDS organization are well-known for providing free treatment and counseling to infected people.
HIV Treatment in India Government
- The government of India fully funds a program for people living with HIV called the National AIDS Control Program (NACP).
- The mission of NACP is to provide a lifetime supply of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) drugs to all infected individuals.
- They run 680 ART centers around the country.
Your health is too important to ignore – schedule your appointment now.
Now, let’s discuss,
What are the treatment options available for HIV in India?
India offers the latest standard treatments for HIV.
Types of HIV Treatment Available
When it comes to managing HIV, various treatment options are available to help control the virus and improve the quality of life for those infected. Here's a look at the primary types of HIV treatment.
1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
- Overview: ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV regimen) every day. It is the most effective way to control the virus and prevent HIV transmission.
- Types of ART Drugs and Costs:
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Approx. $100-$300 per month
- Non-nucleoside reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Approx. $150-$400 per month
- Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Approx. $200-$500 per month
- Integrase Inhibitors: Approx. $300-$600 per month
- Fusion Inhibitors: Approx. $400-$700 per month
- CCR5 Antagonists: Approx. $350-$600 per month
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Overview: PrEP is a preventive treatment for people who are at high risk of HIV infection. It involves taking a daily pill that contains two HIV medicines.
- Who Should Consider PrEP: Individuals with a high risk of HIV exposure, such as those with an HIV-positive partner, people who inject drugs, or those with multiple sexual partners.
- Cost: Approx. $50-$150 per month
3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- Overview: PEP is an emergency treatment to be taken within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. It involves taking HIV medicines every day for 28 days.
- When to Use PEP: After potential exposure to HIV, such as through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or sexual assault.
- Cost: Approx. $600-$1,000 for the full 28-day course
4. Long-Acting Injectables
- Overview: Recently, long-acting injectable HIV medications have been developed, which can be administered monthly or bi-monthly.
- Benefits: They offer an alternative to daily pills, improving adherence for some patients.
- Cost: Approx. $1,000-$2,000 per month
5. Experimental Treatments and Clinical Trials
- Overview: Ongoing research and clinical trials are continually seeking new treatments and potential cures for HIV.
- Participation: Patients can join clinical trials to access cutting-edge treatments under investigation.
- Cost: Often free for participants, as costs are typically covered by the study sponsors.
These treatment options provide various strategies to manage HIV effectively.
Success Rates of HIV Treatment in India
Over the past two decades, India has strongly fought back against the HIV epidemic.
Thanks to highly qualified medical professionals and the availability of the latest treatments at nominal costs, deaths from AIDS were reduced by 54% from 2007-2015.
Not only this, but 32% more HIV patients now show very low levels of viral load too.
Isn’t that great?
Why Choose HIV Treatment in India?
Is this question still bouncing around in your mind?
Let us give you a few more reasons to choose India for HIV treatment.
Prevention and Awareness
Imagine a world where HIV is no longer a threat because everyone is informed and protected.
Preventing HIV is essential for reducing new infections and controlling the virus's spread. Awareness and education are key.
Safe Sex Practices
- Use condoms consistently and correctly.
- Get regular HIV testing if sexually active.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Daily pill for high-risk individuals to prevent HIV.
- Cost: Approx. $50-$150 per month.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- Emergency treatment after potential exposure, started within 72 hours.
- Cost: Approx. $600-$1,000 for the 28-day course.
Safe Needle Practices
- Use clean needles and avoid sharing.
- Participate in needle exchange programs.
Education and Awareness Campaigns
- Community and school programs to raise awareness about HIV prevention.
Government and NGO Initiatives:
- National AIDS Control Program (NACP): Provides education, free condoms, and testing services.
- Asha Foundation and End AIDS Organization: Offer free treatment and counseling.
Latest HIV Treatment in India
Researchers in India have been working hard to come up with new ways to treat HIV with the goal of finding a cure one day.
Some exciting new developments have also been made in this regard.
Excited to learn about them?
Here are the details!
- Stem Cell Therapy
The very first case of a successful stem cell treatment for HIV was reported in Berlin in 2007. The patient went into remission for more than twelve years and was able to stop taking ART drugs.
Stem cell therapy for HIV is still in its experimental stage. Several major medical institutes are conducting trials for this treatment in India.
The cost of stem cell therapy is about four to six lakhs INR. This treatment is showing a lot of promise and might even cure HIV one day.
- Genetic Treatment
Researchers in India are also working on a genetic treatment, which will be a one-time cure for HIV.
They are genetically engineering B white blood cells, which will attack and eliminate the virus from the body.
Animal models for this treatment have shown promising results and human clinical trials are expected to start soon.
Awareness helps people make informed decisions, reduce stigma, and encourage testing and treatment.
FAQs
1. How effective is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in treating HIV?
ART is very effective. It can reduce the virus to undetectable levels, improving health and preventing transmission.
2. What are the common side effects of HIV medications?
Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and headaches. Most are manageable with medical help.
3. Can pregnant women with HIV safely have children?
Yes, with proper treatment, the risk of passing HIV to the baby is less than 1%.
4. What support services are available for people living with HIV in India?
Support includes counseling, support groups, nutritional help, and healthcare services from NGOs and government programs like NACP.
5. How often should someone with HIV visit their doctor?
People with HIV should visit their doctor every three to six months to monitor their health and manage treatment.
