New Delhi, July 29 - A bill, which aims to ensure equal rights for HIV positive people in the country so that they don't face discrimination at work and at health care centres, is being vetted by the Law Ministry, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told the Lok Sabha Wednesday.

'The bill on HIV/AIDS is at present under process with the ministry of law,' the minister said.

The bill is pending since 2006 and addresses issues of discrimination in employment, health care, education and other settings.

It also provides for a safe working environment for health care workers, protection for risk reduction programmes, special provisions for women, children and young people.

It also recognizes the right of children and young people to access health care services and information in their own right.

The bill was prepared after an intense three-year process of research and extensive consultation with the Lawyers Collective in collaboration with the government, people living with HIV, vulnerable groups, health care providers, women, children and NGOs working with HIV patients.