MIANWALI: The Punjab AIDS Control Program (PACP) organised a free month-long medical camp for truck and bus drivers at Rikhi Morre, Mianwali on Sunday.
The camp provides free medical tests for HIV, Hepatitis B & C to truck and bus drivers.
The event was attended by Punjab Goods Transport Association President Ch Zulfiqar Ali, Mianwali Goods Transport Association President Malik Nazar Mohammad Awan, Union Council 24 Vice Chairman Tahma Wali, Malik Mohammad Zaman and Al-Ameer Welfare Society President Malik Haji.
The Punjab AIDS Control Program has started similar camps at Sabzazar Truck Adda in Lahore, Jhal Chakiyan Truck Adda in Sargodha and General Bus Stand in Faisalabad. Besides providing free testing services, the camp provides awareness regarding HIV and Hepatitis B & C.
Punjab Goods Transport Association President Ch Zulfiqar Ali welcomed the initiative by the Punjab AIDS Control Program and said that the camp was much needed for the drivers’ community. He asked the drivers to avail the free tests facility.
The spokesman of the Punjab AIDS Control Program said that Rikhi Morre, Mianwali is famous among the heavy traffic users from Peshawar to Karachi and one of the busiest route between both cities. The most important reason for selection of the camp in this area is that the drivers’ families reside in the vicinity of Rikhi, Choi and Kalri villages, he said.
He said that the programme is geared towards raising awareness about HIV and is providing free treatment for patients as well.
The programme plans to open similar camps in other busy centres for truck drives in several districts and key sites in south and north Punjab.