The Punjab government has launched a program to provide free AIDS screening, essential diagnostic tests, and complete treatment through special clinics established at district and tehsil levels.
Medical research has confirmed that AIDS, once considered a highly dangerous disease, is now treatable with proper care and medication.
Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Khawaja Imran Nazir and Secretary Health Nadia Saqib have directed the Health and Population Welfare Department to prioritise free testing and patient-friendly counselling under the Punjab AIDS Control Programme.
According to Dr Naveed Akhtar Malik, Director of the Punjab AIDS Control Programme, special clinics have been fully activated at Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals and District Headquarters Hospitals across Punjab.
He also said that an official website of the Health and Population Welfare Department has been launched as part of the public awareness campaign.
Dr Malik explained that people affected by AIDS include intravenous drug users, individuals injured by contaminated syringes during work, and sex workers. These individuals are being provided HIV tests, PCR tests, and CD4 tests completely free of cost.
He added that patients who test positive are given free medicines along with counselling to support their recovery and improve their quality of life.
Dr Malik further said that a modern Punjab Public Health Laboratory in Lahore has been linked with the Punjab AIDS Control Programme to receive samples from all districts, conduct tests, and issue reports.
