Staff Reporter:Â
Quetta, August 19 – The Government of Balochistan has announced a province-wide health screening program for prisoners, covering TB, Hepatitis, and AIDS, on the directives of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Health Minister Bakh Muhammad Kakar, and Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman Panezai.
The initiative is designed to safeguard inmates and prison staff while curbing the spread of infectious diseases. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting of the Balochistan TB Control Program, attended by senior health experts including Dr. Sher Afzal Raisani, Dr. Sareen Nosherwani, Dr. Amir Ali Bugti, Dr. Aimal Khan, Dr. Muhammad Shahid Tareen, and Dr. Dawood Achakzai.
Officials emphasized the importance of a comprehensive health strategy in prisons to ensure early detection and timely treatment of life-threatening illnesses. The screening campaign, they noted, will not only improve healthcare services for inmates but also create a healthier prison environment, protect staff members, and strengthen the province’s overall public health system.
According to health authorities, the program will play a vital role in reducing the disease burden in Balochistan and aligns with the government’s vision of improving public health services across the province.
