Pakistan has announced a major expansion of its Hepatitis C screening programme. The initiative is being carried out under the Prime Minister’s programme for disease prevention.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the expansion on August 18. He spoke after inaugurating screening for Ministry of Health employees.
Screening has been made mandatory for all employees of the Ministry of Health. The government is also working to extend this requirement to other federal ministries.
The government has established 17 screening centres in Islamabad. Private hospitals will also receive screening kits and digital equipment.
These measures are designed to improve access to testing. The programme will gradually expand to other parts of the country.
Screening to Cover People Aged 12 and Above
The government plans to screen people aged 12 years and older. Officials have urged families to use the free screening facilities.
The initiative will also extend to areas outside Islamabad. Screening arrangements are being developed for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
People returning to Pakistan after deportation will also undergo screening. The government plans to screen passengers on all flights for three months.
Around 11 Million People May Be Affected
Minister Mustafa Kamal said around 11 million people may be living with Hepatitis C in Pakistan.
He stressed that many infections can remain undetected for long periods. Delayed diagnosis can allow serious health complications to develop.
Untreated Hepatitis C can cause severe liver disease. It can eventually lead to liver cancer, according to the minister.
Early diagnosis allows patients to receive treatment sooner. The government is therefore encouraging people to undergo screening.
Free Screening and Treatment
The government is offering Hepatitis C screening free of charge. Patients diagnosed with the infection can also receive treatment without payment.
The government says a three-month course of medicines costs about Rs. 34,000. A second course may be provided when medically necessary.
This could bring the total value of free medicines to around Rs. 68,000. Officials have urged citizens to use these facilities.
Digital Records to Support Screening
The programme is also using digital technology to manage screening information. Officials are using tools developed for national census activities.
Screening information is being recorded digitally and in real time. The system is also being linked with NADRA records.
The government is considering connecting Hepatitis C screening with CNIC records. Mandatory testing before international travel is also being considered.
Nationwide Expansion Planned
The government plans to expand the screening programme across Pakistan. Islamabad is being used as an initial starting point for the nationwide campaign.
The programme will gradually cover more locations and population groups. Private hospitals are expected to help increase access to screening.
The government is also coordinating screening activities at airports. This includes screening people deported from other countries.
The nationwide initiative is aimed at identifying infections earlier. It also seeks to connect diagnosed patients with free treatment.
In other related news also read Government Launches Diagnostic Counters for Hepatitis C Across Pakistan
Officials have urged citizens to get screened and use available facilities. Early detection remains a key part of Pakistan’s effort to reduce the Hepatitis C burden.
