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Punjab Tackles Triple Threat: HIV, Hep B & C Screening Boost
4 Oct
Summary
- Triple-H screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, and C integrated into de-addiction facilities.
- New approach links testing to rehabilitation, improving follow-up and care.
- Health minister emphasizes timely care and counseling for drug users.
Punjab is implementing a significant public health strategy by integrating triple-H screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C into all its government de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities. This initiative, part of the state's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign, aims to provide comprehensive care for individuals battling substance-use disorders.
The new approach shifts from sporadic screening camps to a continuous integration within the rehabilitation process. This ensures that individuals at high risk of blood-borne infections, particularly those with a history of injecting drug use, receive consistent opportunities for testing and timely medical attention. Previously, missed screening camps could lead to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Punjab's Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, highlighted the importance of early detection for those with injecting drug use history, emphasizing the dual goals of addiction recovery and overall health improvement. By embedding these screenings, the state seeks to facilitate not only sobriety but also a healthier future, enabling former addicts to reintegrate productively into society.
