ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health is set to launch a new program aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C from the country, announced Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to Prime Minster for Health.
The PC-1 of the project worth Rs 68 billion has already been approved. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the federal government and all four provincial governments. Residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will also benefit from the treatment facilities provided under this program.
The coordinator said that to ensure the elimination of Hepatitis C, a National Task Force dedicated to the initiative will be set up, which will be chaired by the prime minister. The nationwide screening will target the population above 12 years of age, with testing conducted to confirm any positive cases found during the screening process. Those who test positive for Hepatitis C will receive free treatment. The federal government also plans to establish a Project Management Unit to oversee the implementation of the program.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath emphasized that a comprehensive strategy for the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases is being devised, reflecting the current government’s commitment to prioritizing health reforms on a large scale. He said the number of Hepatitis C patients is on the rise in Pakistan. He said currently there are approximately 60 million hepatitis cases worldwide, with around 10 million cases reported in Pakistan alone.
