SAHIWAL: Three days of free screening camps detected six cases of HIV, five cases of Hepatitis B (HBV), 83 cases of Hepatitis C (HCV), and 65 cases of tuberculosis (TB) during a mass testing campaign at seven locations under the CM’s special screening initiative in district Pakpattan.

Notably, all six HIV cases were detected among inmates of the District Jail, Pakpattan.

Screening camps were organised under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza.

A statement said total 7,336 citizens received free medical screening facility at the venues, including Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Arifwala, Mariam Nawaz health clinics at villages 149/EB and Hella Wattoan, Maternal and Newborn Child Healthcare Centre 93/D, Rural Health Centre Qaboola, District Headquarters Hospital, and District Jail, Pakpattan, from May 13-16.

The DC said the initiative played a vital role in detecting ‘silent killer diseases’ that often remained undiagnosed until advanced stages. Medical testing teams also identified 293 patients with Type 2 diabetes and two patients with Type 1 diabetes. In addition, 546 couples registered under family planning programmes, while 862 individuals received therapeutic food. A total of 1,027 citizens were vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Dr Fozia Kanwal, CEO health, said 260 paramedics and doctors supervised the seven camps, ensuring strict quality standards. She emphasised that the large-scale health screening initiative had helped identify dozens of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases in Pakpattan district. The centres also provided free diagnostic, preventive, and counseling services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.

Dr Maria, an in-charge of a camp, told Dawn that health experts noted that early detection through mass screening significantly would reduce mortality, improve treatment outcomes, and prevent further transmission of communicable diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, and TB.

The DHQ Hospital Pakpattan recorded the highest turnout, screening 3,193 citizens, followed by District Jail where 900 inmates were examined.

Officials confirmed six HIV cases and 13 Hepatitis C cases among inmates, highlighting the importance of extending preventive healthcare to prison populations.

DC Asif Raza awarded appreciation certificates to doctors and paramedics for their performance.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2026