Kiani inaugurates infectious diseases model centre

ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (APP):Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Aamir Mehmood Kiani on Saturday inaugurated a model centre for infectious diseases to provide free services for testing and treatment of Hepatitis C and tuberculosis in slums areas of the Federal Capital.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the model center established at G-7 dispensary would be dedicated for the screening, testing and treatment of hepatitis C patients with integration of other infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

He said the project was being started for screening of under-served communities of the Federal Capital. The teams would go door to door in slum communities to screen high risk individuals.
Those found positive would be referred to the center for confirmation of the disease and its treatment, he added.
He said to curb disease burden of hepatitis C, the government was implementing Hepatitis Prevention and Control Project for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) with incorporation of TB.
He said the Hepatitis C patients would be cured with three months’ oral tablets treatment with having no side effects.
He added that Hepatitis B vaccine would also be given to the patients undergoing hepatitis C treatment.
He said all the testing, treatment and hepatitis B vaccination would be done free of cost. The dedicated staff would ensure the follow up of the patients in the community to maximize the treatment compliance and response, he added.
Later talking to media, the minister said the government would carry out a vigorous awareness campaign in these communities using the innovative modes of communications to raise awareness for health seeking behaviours, precautionary measurements and information about the centre.
The purpose was to sensitize masses in an effective and proficient manner rather to use conventional modes of communication, he added.
He said Pakistan had the second highest disease burden of Hepatitis C in the world. Almost 10 million people were affected with Hepatitis C in Pakistan.
He said inadequately screened blood transfusions, inappropriately sterilized medical, surgical, dental and gynecological instruments, besides sharing razors, shaving blades and toothbrushes, were the most significant risk factors for the transmission of the Hepatitis C in the country. If left untreated many people would develop life threatening complications including liver cancer.
He said the government was revamping all health services in the Federal Capital to convert it into a model health city.