Al Khidmat lab imports equipment to diagnose HIV, hepatitis

The machine would allow it to conduct up to 180 blood tests per hour.

KARACHI: The Al Khidmat Foundation recently procured an e-modular machine for Rs15 million that will allow it to conduct diagnostic tests for hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS in record time.

While the machine was inaugurated in Ramazan, Dr Merajul Huda, director of the Al Khidmat Blood Bank, says that people continue to remain unaware of it and other institutions that provide affordable healthcare services. While the National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases, National Medical Centre and the Dow University of Health Sciences have the equipment, Dr Huda claims that Al Khidmat charges only 20 per cent of what other laboratories in the city charge patients for a particular test.

The machine procured by the organisation would help it perform up to 180 blood tests an hour, a massive upgrade from the usual equipment that can conduct up to 40 tests per hour. Dr Huda added that six technicians have been trained to handle the e-modular machine, and would work in three separate shifts at the laboratory.

The nonprofit organisation prides itself in charging less than market price for the diagnostic services it provides. Altaf, who was visiting the Al Khidmat Hospital in Nazimabad, said that he came here after learning that the Aga Khan Hospital University would charge his wife Rs990 for a hepatitis C test. “The cost over here is much less, and I know that they have good technology,” he said.

The foundation has nearly 12 collection points scattered across low and middle income localities, like Korangi, Malir, Orangi Town, Shah Faisal Colony and Nazimabad.

“We cater to the people that lie between two income extremes,” said Dr Huda. He pointed out that people often did not know about cheaper healthcare options and would end up either ignoring their symptoms or wait till they saved enough money for treatment. Either way, he said, the delay would lead to further complications.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2012.

Correction: An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated that the e-modular machine would also conduct general blood tests. The error has been corrected.