Over 6,000 HIV/AIDs patients in Balochistan: Dr. Zarkoon
Health Desk :
The Manager AIDs control program Balochistan, Dr. Afzal Zarkoon has revealed that the number of HID/AIDs patients was over 6,000 in the province. Speaking at a news conference, Dr. Zarkoon however said the number of registered AIDs patients was currently 1523 in Balochistan.
He informed that 1195 patients registered at HIV center Quetta, whereas, 328 patients admitted to Turbat center. Dr. Zarkoon’s revelation has come as the world marks World AIDs Day. Since 1988, this day is being observed worldwide.
In response to a question, he said most of the AIDs cases reported from the Quetta and Mekran belt of Balochistan. He revealed that 12 eunuchs were also among the AIDs patients in the province. The program manager informed that 25 pregnant women who had contracted the HIV virus treated at the Bolan Medical Complex Hospital. After treatment, their children tested negative for the deadly virus.
37 Inmates test positive for HIV
About prisons of Balochistan, Dr. Afzal Zarkoon stated that the AIDs control program conducted tests of prisoners in 12 jails of the province. 37 inmates tested positive for the virus, he added.
In Balochistan, 7 centers of HIV established to provide timely treatment to the patients. Dr. Zarkoon stated that the centers have been providing medicines to the AIDs patients with the financial support of global funds in the province.
Monthly cost of patients medicines is Rs. 50,000
“Monthly cost of their medicines is Rs. 50,000”, he noted. The AIDs control program in Balochistan has organized various programs to create awareness among the people about the HIV/AIDs.
“We have engaged scholars, academics, politicians to play their role in creating awareness among the people”, the program manager said. He urged journalists and members of civil society to play their due role in highlighting this issue and create awareness among the people.
Over 6,000 HIV/AIDs patients in Balochistan: Dr. Zarkoon
