HIV, AIDS patients surge feared in Balochistan

QUETTA: The number of patients suffering from HIV and AIDS in Balochistan has been mounted to 321, it might surge if drastic measures were not taken on war-footings, said the medical experts during a day-long seminar held on prevention of HIV and AIDS.

Additional Secretary Health government of Balochistan, Noorul Haq Mengal, Branch Secretary PRCS Major Mohammad Sabir Durrai, Dr Munir, Dr Haseeb Shaikh spoke in a seminar organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to mark the World AIDS Day.

Although government was striving hard to contain the spread of the deadly virus in the province, speakers said adding more work was needed to thoroughly overcome the disease.

Giving details of reported cases of HIV and AIDS in Balochistan, they said that out of 321 HIV patients 41 are hospitalized and being treated in different hospitals of the province. As many as 19 AIDS patients were also getting medicines and medical consultation from the expert doctors in Balochistan.

They feared that the number of patients suffering from HIV and AIDS might increase in the province if immediate steps were not taken.

Stressing the need for adopting concerted strategy to combat the chronic disease, experts suggested that Pakistanis being deported from the Gulf and other European countries should be medically examined at all entry points.