INDIA: Applications are invited for voluntary service of qualified doctors to assist tuberculosis patients in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) invites applications from qualified Indian doctors for full-time field work in a project to help the identification and treatment of tuberculosis patients in and around Varanasi, India. The initial phase of the contract will be for a period of six months, preferably starting from the 1st week of February 2008.

The AHRC is concerned about widespread tuberculosis infection, in the area, particularly among the weaver community in Varanasi. In the recent past, the AHRC has repeatedly called upon the state government to take immediate steps to address this issue. For further information, please see AHRC-OL-036-2007. The AHRC is worried about the inadequacies of the public health services provided by the state government in addressing this issue. The intention of the AHRC initiative is to continue the voluntary health services for tuberculosis patients in and around Varanasi until the state government takes appropriate action to address this issue and provide necessary services for those who require immediate medical assistance.

There are large numbers of persons infected with tuberculosis in Varanasi who are unable to get even basic facilities for treating tuberculosis, like x-rays or other medication for treating the disease. The state government on the contrary has claimed that it has allocated funds and made other arrangements to treat tuberculosis patients. This claim, has however, is not felt among the people. For example, in Lohta village of Varanasi District, there are large numbers of persons suffering from tuberculosis who have been even denied proper diagnosis by the state government-run public health centre.

The voluntary project by the AHRC would involve free consultations and develop programmes to provide the patients with appropriate medication. This project is to prevent further deterioration of the health conditions of the people who have already been identified as being infected with tuberculosis.

Remuneration and other service conditions will not be an impediment for the right candidate and are negotiable.  The ideal candidate will be a doctor from Uttar Pradesh state who could also read and write Hindi and Bhojpuri. Please mail your application with a covering letter and a resume with the expected remuneration to the address provided below to reach Hong Kong by 30 January 2008.

Applications can be sent to:

South Asia Desk
The Asian Human Rights Commission
19/F Go-Up Commercial Bldg
998 Canton Road
Mongkok, Kowloon
Hong Kong SAR.

Fax: (852) 26986367

Document Type : Announcement
Document ID : AHRC-ANM-002-2008
Countries : India,