AUTOMATIC vending machines for condoms will be available at street corners throughout the country by December. The scheme has been finalised by the Union health ministry as part of its AIDS control programme. The ministry has asked for prototypes of the machine from indigenous manufacturers, which can accommodate different types of Indian coins. The Union health minister, Renuka Choudhury said these machines would be installed at important places like airports, railway stations, cinema halls in all important cities and state capitals.

Besides having condom vending machines throughout the country, the health ministry has plans to set up AIDS advice cells in important cities and state capitals. A toll-free telephonic service will be available in the cities, where an anonymous caller can ask any question on AIDS. The minister said that the health ministry is working out a scheme along with the Human Resource Development Ministry to introduce sex education in schools to counter the menace of AIDS.