Brizzleleo, FOREIGNERS will be offered free HIV treatment on the NHS to
protect the public, it was revealed today. Migrants are currently barred from the service. But ex-Tory cabinet minister Lord Fowler has called for free treatment to be extended to those who have been in Britain for six months. Foreign students, workers and trafficking victims are among those expected to benefit. The Department of Health said that safeguards would be introduced to prevent "health tourism". The move comes amid concerns about rising levels of HIV infections and the cost to the NHS 
of not treating it early. Foreigners are thought not to seek help because it is so costly. Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "This measure will protect the public and brings HIV treatment into line with all other infectious diseases. "Treating people with HIV means they are very unlikely to pass the infection on to others. "Tough guidance will ensure this measure is not abused." It would bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, where foreigners can already receive free treatment for HIV. 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."Source: Brizzleleo
protect the public, it was revealed today. Migrants are currently barred from the service. But ex-Tory cabinet minister Lord Fowler has called for free treatment to be extended to those who have been in Britain for six months. Foreign students, workers and trafficking victims are among those expected to benefit. The Department of Health said that safeguards would be introduced to prevent "health tourism". The move comes amid concerns about rising levels of HIV infections and the cost to the NHS of not treating it early. Foreigners are thought not to seek help because it is so costly. Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "This measure will protect the public and brings HIV treatment into line with all other infectious diseases. "Treating people with HIV means they are very unlikely to pass the infection on to others. "Tough guidance will ensure this measure is not abused." It would bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, where foreigners can already receive free treatment for HIV. 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."Source: Brizzleleo
