SUFFERING FROM a chronic ailments need not come in the way of getting married. In the last eight to 10 months, two matrimonial websites that cater to people with health issues have launched - for those with diabetes and for those who are HIV positive.

And people like 24-year-old Ganesh Reddy (name changed) are benefiting. A Hyderabad-based engineering student, Red dy is HIV positive and wants to marry "I can't disclose my .

health openly as it will affect my brother's marriage prospects," said Reddy He then came . across www.positivesaathi.com, which finds matches for HIV patients. "I am marrying a Pune-based girl who is HIV positive." Started by Maharashtra government employee Anil Kumar Valiv, the website went live eight months ago and has 300 members. Valiv, who invested Rs 30,000, said it is dedicated to a friend. "He was HIV positive and couldn't find a bride. Some marriage bureaus and NGOs try to organise events but people don't attend as they want anonymity Websites give it," . said Valiv.

Though not life-threatening, people with diabetes don't have it easy either. A survey by the Delhi Diabetic Research Centre of 2,000 diabetics revealed that 92 per cent have marital issues due to the ailment. The survey prompted the founder of the Centre, Dr Ashok Jhingan, to launch www.diabeticmatrimony .com. "It will help arrange marriages between patients so there are no issues," Jhingan said.

URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=02_06_2008_001_013&typ=1&pub=264