VEHARI: The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), Vehari centre, has failed to provide free medicines to Hepatitis C patients in the last six months.

Up to 7,000 Hepatitis-C patients are registered with the centre to get free treatment at the centre established on the Vehari District Headquarters Hospital premises.

Former chief minister Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated the Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Centre at the PKLI in Vehari on May 4, 2018.

According to Dr Talha, in charge of the centre, hepatitis vaccine and medicines are not available in the centre. He says the centre only provides blood screening, not treatment. The shortage of funds is the main cause of the unavailability of the medicines.

An official of the centre said that over 2,000 applications by Hepatitis C patients are pending notification for approval. He said that dozens of patients visited the centre daily for medicines.

Sources said the majority of patients were poor, who could not afford private treatment.

Dr Talha told Dawn that they repeatedly brought the situation into the notice of the provincial health department for the early provision of vaccines and medicines but in vain. He said the unchecked sale and usage of contaminated and unhygienic food items were one of the major causes of spread of hepatitis among the people. He said that most of the hepatitis patients were ageed between 24 to 35 years, while married women and children were also falling prey to the disease in rural areas.

Registered patients have demanded that Chief Minister Usman Buzdar ensure the early availability of these medicines so that they could continue their treatment.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...