A state-of-the-art clinical laboratory to diagnose and treat drug users has been opened here with assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

"This is the first laboratory of its kind in Pakistan to provide diagnostic services to drug users, including tests for hepatitis B and C and sexually transmitted diseases and treatment for these," said Saleem Azam of NGO Pakistan Society that is running the centre.

It will provide services free of cost, The News reported Monday.

Experts say there are 25,000 drug users on the streets of Karachi. There are four drop-in centres in the city where addicts can go for treatment. These centres, however, do not have any diagnostic facilities.

"We realised that drug users need something more than just a drop-in facility. They need symptomatic medical relief," Azam.

"Most drug users suffer from tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and diseases involving lungs and were in need of proper diagnosis of their maladies," he added.