10/01/2025
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) issued a directive under Section 4(2)(o) of the PHC Act 2010 to all public and private hospitals, laboratories and diagnostic centres to report any confirmed or suspected HIV/AIDS cases identified through diagnostic tests to the HIV/AIDS treatment centres within 24 hours of diagnosis. This also applies to all units, including pathology departments, dialysis units, emergency wards, and outpatient departments. Moreover, they have been directed to ensure the confidentiality of the patient data. They have also been warned against non-compliance, which may result in penalties including fines and potential closure of services.
This directive aims to ensure timely reporting, confidentiality, and accountability in managing HIV/AIDS cases.