LAHORE: Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Minister, Khawaja Imran Nazir has said on Wednesday that emerging health challenges require innovative solutions and the department is working towards synergies and partnerships.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the PACP Testing Center in Munshi Ladda Bagh, Karim Park area, he said that the centre provides multi-purpose solutions, including school education, vocational training by TEVTA and interest-free loans by Akhuwat to marginalized communities under one roof.
He said that the Punjab AIDS Control Programme is providing free testing services for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, besides free vaccinations and free treatment for HIV and Hepatitis patients.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Akhuwat Executive Director Dr Amjad Saqib, Walled City of Lahore Authority Director General Mr Kamran Lashari, Punjab AIDS Control Programme Director Dr Asim Altaf, Dr Rashid from the Ali Zafar Foundation and a large number of local residents.
Khawaja Imran Nazir said, “The government is committed to providing healthcare services to people especially the marginalized communities and High-Risk groups. I congratulate PACP for introducing out of box plans and developing integrated development solutions with WCLA and Akhuwat.”
Dr Amjad Saqib stated that Akhuwat is focusing on underprivileged communities and the organization has disbursed Rs 35 billion loans from the Khud Rozgar Scheme to deserving people with a recovery exceeding 99 per cent. He said that the Akhuwat Khawaja Sara Rehabilitation Programme is already working in partnership with the PACP.
Dr Asim Altaf while referring to the tripartite arrangement said that all organizations are making all-out efforts to facilitate the public in their spheres. He said two more similar centres will be opened, one in Delhi Gate and the other in Texali Gate.
The testing centre also providing much-needed awareness regarding HIV, Hepatitis B and C.