Temple to double up as HIV testing lab

The AIDS awareness campaign just got a novel crusader - a temple.

Concerned over the rise in the number of AIDS cases, Shri Guga Mari Temple at Sector 20 has set up a laboratory at the temple itself to conduct HIV tests. Not only this, the temple would also spread awareness about the disease among the devotees, and encourage people to get HIV test done before getting married.

Pandit Kishori Lal, the priest at the temple, said, "The laboratory will start functioning from Saturday. We have all the requisite equipment with us. A large number of tests, including that of HIV/AIDS, would be conducted at the laboratory."

Hematology and biochemistry tests, too, would be conducted at the laboratory that has been named Charitable Community Laboratory.

"We have been spreading awareness among the people regarding this disease for quite sometime. Now, we would begin with tests at our laboratory. Awareness is the cure for this disease."

Representatives of State AIDS Control Society had held AIDS awareness programmes for the heads of gurdwaras, temples, churches and mosques a few months ago.

Dr Avnish Jolly, one among the volunteers to have set up the lab at the temple, said, "The religious leaders can reach out to a large number of people. These leaders were sensitised, and they themselves came forward to contribute to the cause."

"There would be qualified technicians in the laboratory to conduct tests," Jolly added.

The tests would be reportedly conducted at the lowest price possible.