PACP registered 37,000 HIV cases  

LAHORE: Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Akhtar Malik said that news reporting on HIV disease is a very sensitive and responsible assignment. HIV patients' information is kept secret for their prestige. This disease is often reported in high-risk groups as compared to the general population, he added.  

The high-risk groups include female sex workers, men having sex with men, transgenders and injectable drug users. He said that truck and bus drivers and jail inmates also contribute to the spread of HIV disease.  

The Minister Health was addressing an Interactive Session on Role of Media and AIDS Response held at a local hotel today. Dr Akhtar Malik said around 2.1 million people were screened with regard to HIV and 37,000 were registered with Punjab Aids Control Program (PACP) out of which 17,750 were being free medicines and other facilities. 

 He said the PACP has 45 counseling clinics in the province at district level for HIV pre-test and post test counselling of patients. The PACP has bio-safety level-3 laboratory extending free PCR and CD4 test facilities. Dr Akhtar Malik said that the PACP in collaboration with education institutions is holding awareness seminars and competitions for students.  

During training session the PACP gave detailed briefing on the initiatives undertaken for prevention of HIV.  

On the occasion, the minister health gave away commendation certificates to the participating journalists. Director PACP Dr Ajeebullah, Director Hepatitis Control Program Dr Shahid Magsi and Deputy Secretary Vertical Program Hassan Tariq were present  on the occasion.  

Later, the minister of health, along with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali inaugurated High Dependency Unit in Govt Mian Mir Hospital and enquired about the health of patients admitted in the emergency ward. The minister also inspected the pharmacy, and dengue wards and directed to ensure the availability of dialysis machines in the hospital for facilitating the patients. Dr Akhtar Malik extended appreciation to the management of the hospital for making satisfactory healthcare arrangements.