The Punjab AIDS Control Program organized free month-long medical camp for truck and bus drivers at Machi Ke Truck Adda in Sheikhupura. The camp would provide free medical tests for Blood Group, Hepatitis B & C and HIV tests to truck and bus drivers. In case of positive tests, the Punjab AIDS Control Program will provide free medicines for Hepatitis and HIV. The camp was inaugurated by Chairman Zakat & Usher Committee Syed Mushtaq Hussain. Other participants included President Punjab Goods Transport Association Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhry, President Punjab Oil Tanker Association Rana M. Khalid, Ali Vice Chairman Punjab Oil Tanker Association Malik Liaqat, Member Punjab Oil Tanker Association Haji M. Arshad Gujjar President PSO Employees League Muhammad Hafeez, Provincial Vice President Punjab Goods Transport Association Malik Jamil and Manager Operations, Punjab AIDS Control Program Yasir Abbas Mirza.
The Punjab AIDS Control Program has already launched this campaign at Ravi Truck Station in Lahore and Sargodha. Besides providing free testing services, the camp also provides awareness regarding HIV and Hepatitis B & C. President Punjab Goods Transport Association welcomed the initiative by the Punjab AIDS Control Program and said the camp was much needed for the drivers’ community. He asked the drivers to avail the free tests facility.
The representative of the Punjab AIDS Control Program said Sheikupura is one of the main industrial centers in the province, and one of the busiest transport hub in Punjab. He said that the program is raising awareness about HIV and is providing free treatment for patients as well. The Program plans to open similar camps in other busy centers for truck drives in several districts.