Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Punjab To Start Screening For HIV, Hepatitis B & C At De-Addiction Centres

<span>Punjab</span> is implementing routine screening for <span>HIV</span>, <span>Hepatitis B</span> and <span>Hepatitis C</span> at government de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, highlighting the importance of testing for three major blood-borne infections in addiction patients. 

The initiative, referred to as 'Triple H' screening, is being introduced under the state government’s Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign. The aim is to spot infections earlier, ensuring people undergoing treatment for substance use receive appropriate medical care when needed. 

The initiative is meant to curb risks of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/not-an-abortion-pill-or-sti-shield-why-emergency-contraceptives-may-soon-carry-new-warnings-on-pack-article-156192763" data-type="tilCustomLink">HIV</a> and Hepatitis B and C, especially in people who inject drugs and share contaminated needles and syringes. It is crucial as infections can also remain undetected for years. 

<h2>Punjab Is Changing Its Screening Approach </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h-pylori-hpv-among-five-infections-behind-1-in-8-cancers-worldwide-lancet-article-156245302" data-type="tilCustomLink">H. pylori, HPV Among Five Infections Behind 1 In 8 Cancers Worldwide: Lancet</a>

Until now, HIV and hepatitis screening at de-addiction facilities was largely conducted through medical camps, which were often held around every two months. While these camps provided testing opportunities, officials said that there was limited scope to track who had been tested, who had missed screening, and who needed further care. 

Under the new system, screening will be integrated into the de-addiction and rehabilitation process. This could give people ample opportunities to get tested and allow those with positive results to be referred for intensive testing, treatment, and timely medical care. 

Announcing the initiative, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. <span>Balbir Singh</span> spoke about the importance of early detection of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/1-in-60-adults-in-fiji-may-now-have-hiv-as-meth-use-unsafe-injecting-and-treatment-gaps-fuel-surge-article-156169462" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood-borne infections</a> in those at high risk. 

Dr. Singh said, “People with a history of injecting drug use face an increased risk of blood-borne infections, and that early detection is important for timely medical care and counselling.”

He also said that the initiative goes beyond treating patients struggling with drug addiction. The minister emphasised that this could indirectly help build better lives for themselves.  

He added, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Yudh Nashean Virudh is leading a revolution towards a stronger, healthier and prosperous Punjab. Our goal is not simply to help people overcome addiction, but also to enable them to lead healthier lives and contribute to society. By integrating HIV, Hepatitis B and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-hepatitis-a-outbreak-37-cases-linked-to-frozen-clams-says-cdc-article-156207733" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hepatitis C</a> screening into de-addiction services, the Government is taking another important step towards ensuring that recovery leads to a meaningful and brighter future.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/8-weekly-hiv-injections-keep-virus-suppressed-better-than-daily-pills-in-adolescents-lancet-study-article-156196166" data-type="tilCustomLink">8-Weekly HIV Injections Keep Virus Suppressed Better Than Daily Pills In Adolescents: Lancet Study</a> 

<h2>Punjab Had Already Intensified HIV Screening </h2>

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The latest announcement comes months after Punjab ordered HIV screening for people registered at its Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (<span>OOAT</span>) centres. 

In May, the state had 455 operational OOAT centres with 3,09,918 registered clients undergoing treatment for substance use. 

That move came after findings from the <span>National AIDS Control Organisation</span> showed that Punjab recorded a 58.7% increase in annual new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024. 

The report also found that 56% of newly detected HIV-positive cases in <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-diagnosed-with-leptospirosis-what-is-it-article-151042939" data-type="tilCustomLink">Punjab</a> were linked with contaminated syringe use. 

The state has also said testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C is available free of cost at <span>Aam Aadmi Clinics</span>. 

Earlier in August, Punjab announced the adoption of <span>Nucleic Acid Testing</span> (NAT) and Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) technologies to strengthen the early detection of infections that are transmitted through infusions and improve blood safety.

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Punjab is implementing routine screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C at government de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, highlighting the importance of testing for three major blood-borne infections in addiction patients. The initiative, referred to as 'Triple H' screening, is being introduced under the state government’s Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign. The aim is to spot infections earlier, ensuring people undergoing treatment for substance use receive appropriate medical care when needed. The initiative is meant to curb risks of HIV and Hepatitis B and C, especially in people who inject drugs and share contaminated needles and syringes. It is crucial as infections can also remain undetected for years. Punjab Is Changing Its Screening Approach Also read: H. pylori, HPV Among Five Infections Behind 1 In 8 Cancers Worldwide: LancetUntil now, HIV and hepatitis screening at de-addiction facilities was largely conducted through medical camps, which were often held around every two months. While these camps provided testing opportunities, officials said that there was limited scope to track who had been tested, who had missed screening, and who needed further care. Under the new system, screening will be integrated into the de-addiction and rehabilitation process. This could give people ample opportunities to get tested and allow those with positive results to be referred for intensive testing, treatment, and timely medical care. Announcing the initiative, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh spoke about the importance of early detection of blood-borne infections in those at high risk. Dr. Singh said, “People with a history of injecting drug use face an increased risk of blood-borne infections, and that early detection is important for timely medical care and counselling.”He also said that the initiative goes beyond treating patients struggling with drug addiction. The minister emphasised that this could indirectly help build better lives for themselves.  He added, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Yudh Nashean Virudh is leading a revolution towards a stronger, healthier and prosperous Punjab. Our goal is not simply to help people overcome addiction, but also to enable them to lead healthier lives and contribute to society. By integrating HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C screening into de-addiction services, the Government is taking another important step towards ensuring that recovery leads to a meaningful and brighter future.”Also read: 8-Weekly HIV Injections Keep Virus Suppressed Better Than Daily Pills In Adolescents: Lancet Study Punjab Had Already Intensified HIV Screening                         The latest announcement comes months after Punjab ordered HIV screening for people registered at its Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres. In May, the state had 455 operational OOAT centres with 3,09,918 registered clients undergoing treatment for substance use. That move came after findings from the National AIDS Control Organisation showed that Punjab recorded a 58.7% increase in annual new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024. The report also found that 56% of newly detected HIV-positive cases in Punjab were linked with contaminated syringe use. The state has also said testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C is available free of cost at Aam Aadmi Clinics. Earlier in August, Punjab announced the adoption of Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) technologies to strengthen the early detection of infections that are transmitted through infusions and improve blood safety.

punjab to start screening for hiv, hepatitis b & c at de-addiction centres

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