In a significant step towards addressing the growing hepatitis crisis, the Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention Programme (LHEAP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gulf Care Hospital (GCH) to offer free treatment to people suffering from Hepatitis B and C. This partnership aims to provide free surgeries, ultrasound, consultations, and necessary laboratory tests to those affected by these diseases, making crucial healthcare accessible to individuals who otherwise could not afford it.
Rawalpindi city is seeing a substantial number of hepatitis cases, especially in its union councils (UCs), where the high cost of treatment has made it difficult for the middle and lower-income groups to seek medical help. With this MoU, LHEAP and GCH are working to alleviate these financial barriers by providing essential health services free of charge.
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From July to December of this year, LHEAP teams visited over 10,000 homes and screened nearly 48,000 individuals for hepatitis. As a result, 2,086 people were diagnosed with Hepatitis B and C, including 13 pregnant women. The programme also administered hepatitis vaccinations to thousands, helping to prevent further spread of the disease. UC 8, currently experiencing the highest incidence of hepatitis in Rawalpindi, saw extensive screening efforts with 9,576 people tested, resulting in 437 diagnoses of Hepatitis B and C.
Dr. Ansar Ishaq, CEO of LHEAP, emphasized that the programme focuses on both awareness and treatment. While an ongoing awareness campaign educates the public on preventive measures, the partnership with Gulf Care Hospital ensures that those diagnosed can access vital medical services, including indoor admissions and consultations with specialist doctors.
