Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, Khawaja Imran Nazir said here Wednesday that emerging health challenges require innovative solutions and the department is working towards synergies and partnerships.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of PACP Testing Center in Munshi Ladda Bagh, Karim Park area, he said that the key to solving complex problems is synergy and public-private partnerships. The Center provides multi-purpose solutions, including school education, vocational training by TEVTA and interest free loans by Akhuwat to marginalized communities under one roof. The Punjab AIDS Control Program is providing free testing services for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, free vaccination for Hep B and free treatment for HIV and Hepatitis.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Executive Director Akhuwat Dr. Amjad Saqib, Director General Walled City of Lahore Authority, Mr. Kamran Lashari, Program Director Punjab AIDS Control Program, Dr. Asim Altaf, Dr. Rashid from Ali Zafar Foundation and a large number of local residents. Minister P&SH, 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.” Executive Director Akhuwat Dr. Amjad Saqib said that Akhuwat is focusing on under privileged communities and the organization has disbursed Rs. 35 billion loans from Chief Minister Khud Rozgar Scheme to deserving people with a recovery exceeding 99 per cent. He said Akhuwat Khawaja Sara Rehabilitation Program is already working in partnership with the PACP. Director General Walled City of Lahore Authority Mr. Kamran Lashari emphasized that government organizations may synergize their activities for better outcomes. “For shared objectives, resources may be synergized and public welfare must be the ultimate objective of all,” Mr. Lashari added. Additional Secretary (Technical) Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department and Program Director Punjab AIDS Control Program, Dr. Asim Altaf 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 centers will be opened, one in Delhi Gate and the other in Texali Gate. The testing center offers free medical tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, C, Blood Group, besides providing much needed awareness regarding HIV, Hepatitis B and C.