Staff Reporter
Punjab Minister for Health Dr. Yasmin Rashid on Wednesday informed that the Punjab government has decided to provide free medicines to patients suffering from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the province.
“Timely diagnosis and treatment could help in overcoming AIDS in any patient,” the provincial health minister said. She stressed upon the need to improve the testing process but said that they could not conduct the test of anyone without their approval.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid said that currently over 11,000 patients are being treated for the deadly disease and the government has decided to provide them with free medicines.
She further said that the government has also issued Insaf Medicine Card to further facilitate the patients.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic claimed more than 35 million lives so far. HIV cannot be treated. However, it can be controlled through effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and help prevent transmission in order for people to enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.
According to doctors and professionals, there are three main ways to contract AIDS i.e. having unprotected sex, sharing needles and via mother-to-child-transmission.
World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 01, with an aim to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and express solidarity with people living with the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.
INCREASE IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR PROFESSIONALS
Health Minister Yasmin Rashid has tasked MD Punjab Health Foundation Kiran Khurshid with extending services of interest-free loans to doctors and healthcare professionals.
The minister assigned the task while chairing the 30th meeting of Punjab Health Foundation board of directors at Specialized Health and Medical Education Department. Special Secretary Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Silwat Saeed, Prof Dr Mehmud Shaukat, Mian Zahidur Rehman, Prof Javed Chaudhry, and board members were among the attendees.
The meeting okayed hiring against vacant IT posts, increase in the limit of loans and agenda items of the previous sitting. The minister said, Rs350 million was disbursed among beneficiaries. Prime Minister Imran Khan issued directives to give maximum interest-free loans to professionals and increase the amount so that health professionals can now avail interest-free loans of up to Rs5 million, she said.
