CALLS for more anonymous HIV testing are finally being heeded by the Ministry of Health.

MOH wants more private GP clinics to dispense anonymous saliva-based Aids tests and has sent invitations last month to 70 doctors to take it up.

Currently, Anteh Dispensary in Geylang and Cambridge Clinic in Kreta Ayer are the only two clinics permitted to do anonymous testing using OraQuick, the saliva-based test kit for the last two years.

Because testing is anonymous, the clinics do not submit a report when someone tests positive.

This has led to a 2 1/2 times increase in the number going there for such test - from 678 between July 2006 to June last year to 1,723 between July 2007 to June this year.

When contacted, MOH said that it is extending anonymous HIV testing service to other GP clinics as part of its efforts to further encourage those at risk to learn of their status.

'Details will be made available at a later stage when finalised,' said a spokesman.

Last year, 422 people are diagnosed with HIV, up from 357 in 2006. And up to June this year, another 236 tested positive.

And out of the 1,723 people who went to the two clinics for anonymous testing, 16 were found to be HIV-positive.

The clinics, together with Rockeby, conducted a survey and found that the number of women and singles voluntarily testing themselves for the Aids virus at anonymous screening centres has gone up.

The proportion of women rose to 12 per cent between July last year and June - compared to only 9 per cent a year earlier.

And the number of singles getting screened also went up - from 61 per cent to 69 per cent.

People being tested for the first time also rose - from 65 per cent to 74 per cent.

Doctors who spoke to The Straits Times said Oraquick is more popular than blood tests because it is easy to use, no needles are needed, and results are ready in 20 minutes.