Special Report: Has The 5-Fold Increase In 'Condom' Supply To Nashik Got A Direct 'Kumbh Mela' Connect?

By Pravin Apte in Pune

Authorities differ; AIDS body sends 5.4 lakh condoms to district against monthly demand of 1.5 lakh; more HIV testing kits too sent. In an interesting development, the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) has dispatched 5.40 lakh condoms to Nashik.

The number is interesting on two counts: when Nashik's average monthly requirement of condoms is 1.5 lakh, the unusual five-fold increase in dispatch comes just a week before the Kumbh Mela. The Mela is scheduled to begin on July 14.

Local authorities insist that there is no connection between the Kumbh Mela and the unusually high dispatch of condoms.

MSACS authorities, however, say they expect a surge in demand for condoms in the district during Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious congregations.

Khushalsinh Pardeshi, MSACS project director, said: "Nashik has a monthly requirement of 1.5 lakh condoms. Keeping in mind the upcoming Kumbh Mela, we are expecting the demand to go up. We have dispatched 5.40 lakh condoms. Our team will be monitoring the demand and supply."

The society has also decided to increase the number of HIV screening kits and station additional teams for HIV screening and preventive measures.

"Our team members will be present to spread awareness on practising safe sex and HIV," said Pardeshi.

"Looking at Kumbh Mela, we want to supply at least 75,264 HIV test kits (double the usual number) for Nashik. And, we may increase the HIV screening test kit supply, according to the consumption of first month, during the Kumbh Mela," said Dr Shobhana Tehra-Rajput, joint director of basic services, MSACS.

Local authorities, however, refused to link the sudden rise in condom supply to Kumbh Mela.

Yogesh Pardeshi, district programme officer, MSACS, Nashik, told dna, "Condoms and testing kits have been ordered as per our requirement. This has nothing to do with Kumbh Mela. We are stocking it up merely to ensure that there is no shortage. We have several NGOs working in the district who supply condoms. These NGOs require a regular supply of condoms. That is the reason why we have stocked it up."