Key Takeaways
- More than 10 million people in Pakistan are living with Hepatitis C.
- The Prime Minister's Hepatitis C Elimination Programme is a national priority.
- A high-level meeting was held to review the progress of the programme.
Over 10 million individuals in Pakistan are estimated to be living with Hepatitis C, according to a recent high-level meeting. The Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal, chaired this meeting on Wednesday to assess the progress of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Professor Saeed Akhtar from the National Technical Advisory Group on Hepatitis, the Additional Secretary Health, the Project Director of the Hepatitis C Programme, and representatives from major public hospitals. The focus was on the pilot phase launched in Islamabad to identify operational challenges before scaling up the programme nationwide.
During the meeting, the Project Director provided an update on the progress made during the screening process under the pilot phase. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal highlighted that the primary objective of initiating this pilot phase was to address system-related issues and ensure a fully streamlined approach within 15 days.
The Minister emphasized the importance of timely identification and treatment for preventing further transmission of Hepatitis C. He stated, 'Our national commitment is to make Pakistan Hepatitis-free. This is not merely a healthcare programme; it is a mission to safeguard the future of our nation.'
Mustafa Kamal also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to participate in screening efforts. He noted that early diagnosis and timely treatment can save lives while significantly reducing disease spread. The Minister appealed to residents of Islamabad, urging them to get tested as part of this national campaign.
The Government is committed to providing free Hepatitis C screening and treatment for all diagnosed patients under the programme. Mustafa Kamal assured participants that comprehensive arrangements are being made to ensure accessibility and affordability of these services. He concluded by reiterating the collective effort required from the entire nation in achieving the goal of eliminating Hepatitis C.
The successful implementation of this programme will largely depend on the active role of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital. The Minister emphasized that every citizen has a national responsibility to participate in this campaign by getting themselves tested.
'Our national commitment is to make Pakistan Hepatitis-free.'
Mustafa Kamal, Federal Health Minister, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination
'The State is committed to providing free treatment to every individual diagnosed with Hepatitis C under this programme.'
Mustafa Kamal, Federal Health Minister, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination
