Cairo: The Ministry of Health and Population announced its continued efforts to enhance public health initiatives by offering comprehensive and free services through the "virus clinics" at mental health and addiction treatment hospitals. These services aim to provide complete healthcare to various vulnerable groups.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the "virus clinics" offer a range of free services, including tests for viral infections transmitted through blood, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, in line with approved protocols.

The clinics also provide medical counseling sessions to raise awareness among patients about these diseases and introduce proper prevention methods. Free treatment and regular follow-up care are available for infected individuals, ensuring complete confidentiality of patient data throughout all stages of testing and treatment.

Ayman Abbas, head of the central administration for mental health and addiction treatment, explained that the services are provided at hospitals and centers using an integrated model that allows patients to receive testing, counseling, treatment, and follow-up in one location, improving service quality and simplifying procedures. This approach plays a key role in reducing the spread of viral diseases among at-risk groups.

Since the launch of the virus clinics in November 2020, thousands of addiction and mental health patients, along with their companions, have been tested and followed up. The ministry of health remains committed to supporting efforts to combat infectious diseases and promote public health to achieve sustainable health development goals.