In a move facilitated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, about 500 sex workers in Mysore have been given chip-embedded smart cards.
These enable them to get discounts at select shops and hotels and earn them loyalty points that can be redeemed for discounts on later purchases.
These cards however serve a dual purpose. They also contain the medical records of the sex worker, who is obliged to get a compulsory health check-up at a clinic once in three months. The card becomes inactive if the holder fails to do this. The sex workers will be checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and treatment provided if necessary.
Vendors and health specialists are provided with Simputer, a handheld device developed by scientists in India. Data is stored in real time at a central server to maintain confidentiality.
Sex workers face stigma and constant discrimination. The smart card is apparently a symbol of self-esteem that creates a sense of inclusion for them in society.
“It is not uncommon for us to buy as many as three new saris a month. Looking attractive is essential in our trade,” Pushpa, a sex worker, said. KHPT officials said that the smart card initiative came from discussion with the sex workers, who identified an incentive of discounts with a health card to be a better alternative than a pure health card.
Source: DNA India
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