Where to Get HIV Medicines in India: ART Centres, Private Doctors and Refills

01Two ways to get HIV medicines in India

Government ART centres (free)

The National AIDS Control Programme runs ART centres in district and medical-college hospitals across the country, along with Link ART centres closer to home. After registration with your HIV-positive report and ID, you receive free medicines, CD4 and viral load testing, and counselling. Many centres now dispense two or three months of medicines at a time for stable patients.

Private HIV doctors and pharmacies

A private HIV specialist can confirm the diagnosis, start ART quickly, and prescribe a regimen you buy from a pharmacy. Indian generic ART is among the most affordable in the world. Private care suits people who want flexible timings, more privacy, or who travel or work long hours. Many people use both — private consultations with free government medicines, or the other way round.

02Which medicines are used?

India's national guidelines use a once-daily combination for most adults, commonly tenofovir + lamivudine + dolutegravir in one tablet (often called TLD). Other combinations are used for women planning pregnancy, people with kidney problems, children or those with drug resistance. Your doctor chooses based on tests and history. Do not copy someone else's regimen.

03Starting ART: what you need

1. Confirmed HIV-positive result (from a recognised testing centre).
2. Photo ID and address proof for government registration.
3. Baseline tests: CD4 count, viral load (or as available), kidney and liver function, hepatitis B and C, TB screening.
4. A counselling session on adherence and side effects.
5. Start of medicines — often the same day or within a week.

Read which doctor to consult for HIV for what an HIV specialist does.

04Buying HIV medicines online: be careful

Some online pharmacies sell ART on prescription. Use only licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription, check expiry dates and packaging, and keep invoices. Avoid sellers who offer HIV medicines without a prescription, sell "herbal ART" or promise a cure — these can be counterfeit. Remember that ART alone is not care: you still need regular viral load tests to know the medicine is working.

05Side effects: what is normal and what is not

Most people tolerate modern ART well. In the first few weeks, some notice nausea, headache, loose stools, vivid dreams or trouble sleeping; these usually settle. Weight gain can occur with some regimens. Contact your doctor promptly for a rash with fever, yellow eyes, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, swelling of the face or breathing difficulty. Do not stop medicines on your own because of side effects — your doctor can usually switch to an alternative that suits you better.

06Drug interactions to watch

Some medicines and supplements interact with HIV drugs. Antacids, calcium, iron and multivitamin tablets can reduce absorption of dolutegravir if taken at the same time — space them as your doctor advises. Certain TB medicines, anti-epileptics and herbal products such as St John's wort also interact. Always tell any doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you take ART, and check before starting anything new, including over-the-counter remedies.

07Refills, missed doses and stock-outs

• Collect refills before you run out; set phone reminders a week ahead.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day; do not double the next dose unless advised.
• If your centre has a stock-out, inform your counsellor immediately — you may be given an alternative or referred to another centre. Do not stop treatment.
• Keep a 3–5 day emergency supply at home if your doctor agrees.

08Travelling or moving cities

Government ART registration can be transferred between centres — ask for a transfer letter before you move. For short trips, carry enough medicines plus extra days, in original packaging, in your hand luggage. Working abroad? Check the country's rules on importing ART and plan supplies with your doctor well in advance.

09Cost of HIV treatment privately

Private costs include consultations, monthly medicines and monitoring tests (viral load is usually checked at about six months after starting, then periodically). HIV & STD consultation at Dr. Monga Medi Clinic is ₹2,000. Ask for an estimate of monthly medicine and yearly test costs at your first visit so you can plan, and remember that free government ART remains available to you at any time.

10Privacy and your rights

The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 protects your confidentiality and prohibits discrimination in healthcare, employment and education. Government and private providers must keep your status confidential. If you are worried about being seen at an ART centre, discuss options with your counsellor or choose private care.

11Support beyond medicines

Adherence improves with good support: a trusted person who knows your status, peer support groups through community networks, and counselling for anxiety or depression. Ask your doctor about nutrition, vaccinations, and screening for TB and other infections.

12Get started in Delhi NCR or online

Dr. Yuvraj Monga provides confidential HIV 1 and 2 treatment and long-term AIDS management at Lajpat Nagar 4, Dwarka Sector 9 and DLF Phase 4 Gurugram, and online across India. For prevention after a recent exposure, see peptreatmentforhiv.com.