Dr Yasmin Rashid, the Punjab Minister for Health, has on Wednesday said that the government has decided to provide free medicines to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients.

Dr Yasmin Rashid said that currently over 11,000 patients are being treated for the deadly disease.

The government has decided to provide them with free medicines, she added.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment could help in overcoming AIDS in any patient,” the provincial health minister said.

She stressed the need to improve the testing process but said that they could not conduct the test of anyone without their approval.

Rashid further said that the government has also issued Insaf Medicine Card to further facilitate the patients.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic claimed more than 35 million lives so far. HIV cannot be treated.

However, it can be controlled through effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and help prevent transmission in order for people to enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 01, with an aim to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and express solidarity with people living with the pandemic.

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