India offering free HIV testing to TB patients

India is to offer free HIV testing to people who are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).

The Times of India reports that patients will be offered tests in the 4,567 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres in the country.

According to India's National Aids Control Organisation (Naco), TB is the biggest killer of HIV patients in the country and over 60 per cent of people infected with the HIV virus contract and die of TB.

Dr Rahul Thakur, consultant for Naco, told the newspaper that in the last 12 months over 40,000 people suffering from HIV and TB were identified.

"Selective testing for HIV will continue on those diagnosed with TB if they are found to have a high risk behaviour and are suffering from sexually transmitted infections," said Dr Thakur.

HIV charity Avert says that TB develops faster in people who are infected with HIV and is more likely to be fatal if left untreated.