PESHAWAR:The HIV Family Care Centre was inaugurated at Bacha Khan Medical Complex (BKMC-MTI), Swabi in collaboration with the Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and UNICEF on Monday.
UNICEF Health Team Leader Dr. Inamullah and Hospital Director Dr. Amjad Mahboob inaugurated the newly established HIV center.
On this occasion, Dr. Amjad Mahboob briefed the guests on the HIV Center and highlighted the significance of addressing HIV, hepatitis, and thalassemia.
Addressing the media, Dr. Amjad Mahboob said that unfortunately, awareness about HIV in society is equivalent to its non-existence.
He emphasized the need to raise awareness among the public about this disease. He went on to say that the number of individuals affected by HIV in the Swabi district has reached up to 240.
The hospital director mentioned that at this centre, all facilities, from screening to treatment, are being provided to the public completely free of charge.
Dr. Inamullah, the UNICEF health team leader, spoke with the media, emph
asizing the crucial need for an HIV center in Swabi and expressing satisfaction that the centre is now operational, providing essential services to the public.
He mentioned that in the current year, seven new diagnostic centers have been established along with the existing six, focusing on screening, diagnosis, counselling, and free treatment.
Dr. Inamullah appealed to the people of the district to utilize the free screening services available at the relevant centers to prevent HIV and promote awareness.
Project Director Dr. Tariq Hayat said that the number of individuals affected by this disease in the province has exceeded 6,000 from 2015 to date. He appealed to the public to come forward and undergo screening.
According to BKMC-MTI, the new HIV Center comprises a laboratory, examination rooms, and a family care centre. The centre has already catered to more than 200 patients since its opening, providing comprehensive healthcare services related to HIV and related conditions.