Reporter's Diary: When code of conduct restricts officials from sharing data on HIV

Some time ago, the department had announced setting up of a biometrics registry to keep a record of those who have been tested for HIV. But, when this reporter asked for more information on it, the concerned official fumbled.

He asked this reporter how she came across the information and denied that the announcement was made at all. When the scribe presented more facts and details on the initiative to prove that the news was in fact released by the department itself, the official resorted to arguments. He initially tried to convince the reporter that the information she had was false, but later stated that he could not comment on anything related to HIV diagnosis and its treatment in the state currently as the issue can snowball into a major problem for the department, especially with the model code of conduct being followed now.