The Punjab AIDS Control Program has provided the Post Exposure Prophylaxis medicines to all DHQs and THQs across Punjab. Directives to this effect were issued by Additional Secretary (Admin) Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, Dr. Adnan Zafar Khan, in the review meeting of Punjab AIDS Control Program and Punjab Hepatitis Control Program here on Thursday.
“We are providing PEP medicines to all DHQ and THQ hospitals in Punjab to reduce the risk of HIV transmission through accidental pricks. The PEP medicines need to be made available at all key centers and their availability must be ensured,” Dr. Adnan Zafar directed the staff.
The PEP medicines are deemed to be essential part of all healthcare establishments especially labs and diagnostic centers where there is risk of accidental pricks. The pack of tablets is kept in the emergencies to reduce the risk of HIV transmission through needle prick.
The technical team informed that two tablets are to be taken immediately after the prick. The treatment further continues and the staff is advised to contact the Punjab AIDS Control Program for further guidance until the course is complete.
It was also informed in the meeting that the drive to register hair dressers, saloons and beauty parlours will start in the first week of the April.
“In the first phase, the registration will be piloted in Lahore. Changes in the plan may be made according to lessons learnt, before the drive is expanded to all the province,” Additional Secretary (Admin) further said.