SIAAP tested a pilot-counselling project in Government Royapettah Hospital, Chennai between 1993 and 1996, by placing one trained counsellor in the STD clinic, to offer counselling services during outpatient hours. The conviction that counselling can be a principal strategy to bridge rights of people with their health, resulted in SIAAP initiating counselling services in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh by recruiting and training counsellors. Selection was based on significant life experience; comfort discussing issues around sex and sexuality; and openness to learning.
