The Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Mustafa Kamal, has announced the establishment of new diagnostic counters to fight Hepatitis C in Pakistan. The initiative aims to improve early detection and treatment of the disease.
In the first phase, 21 diagnostic counters will be set up across Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said these counters will help patients access screening services more easily.
The decision was shared during a high-level meeting chaired by the health minister. The meeting reviewed progress on the national Hepatitis C elimination plan. Senior officials from multiple departments attended the session.
The government explained that diagnostic counters will play a key role in identifying infected patients early. This will help reduce the spread of Hepatitis C across the country.
In Islamabad, several diagnostic counters will be established in major hospitals. These include PIMS Hospital, Federal General Hospital (Polyclinic), NIRM, and CDA health centers. Authorities also plan to place counters in primary healthcare facilities.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, six diagnostic counters will be set up. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, three counters will be installed in the first phase. The remaining facilities will be distributed in Islamabad.
The minister directed that 12 diagnostic counters in Islamabad should become operational within one week. He also ordered quick supply of screening kits and medical equipment. A soft launch of the system will be carried out soon.
Officials stated that all positive cases detected at these diagnostic counters will be confirmed through PCR testing. Patients will receive free treatment under the national program.
In the second phase, the program will expand significantly. It will include 84 health facilities in Islamabad, 618 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 1,012 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Health experts said that diagnostic counters are an important step toward controlling Hepatitis C. Early screening will help reduce long-term health risks and treatment costs.
The minister highlighted that over 10 million people in Pakistan are affected by Hepatitis. He said large-scale screening is necessary to manage the disease effectively.
In other related news also read Government Reduces Time for Normal Passport Delivery
The government aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030. Authorities stressed that coordinated efforts are needed at all levels. The expansion of diagnostic counters is seen as a major step toward achieving this goal.
