HIV-AIDS screening center opens at Taunsa Sharif hospital

The Punjab government has opened an HIV-AIDS screening and treatment center at the THQ hospital in Taunsa Sharif. This facility will allow local residents to receive care without having to travel to Dera Ghazi Khan. Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmad Chaudhry announced the news, noting that those who test positive for HIV will get treatment on-site. He also mentioned that health department teams are in Taunsa to address the problem of unqualified practitioners, known as quacks, who may be spreading the virus. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of avoiding the use of old syringes, which can contribute to the spread of HIV-AIDS. He urged the community to report any quacks and to ensure that new syringes are used for treatments. District coordinator Dr. Sumaira Ashraf reported that they have already screened 111 individuals at the new center. The operation is under the supervision of Punjab's Secretary of Health Nadia Saqib, who is personally monitoring the efforts to combat the disease.