ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced plans for nationwide hepatitis C screening, saying the government intends to ensure that citizens are tested for the potentially serious viral infection.
Speaking at a press conference, Kamal said hepatitis C screening would be made mandatory for employees of federal ministries, including officials working under the Ministry of National Health Services. He said employees who fail to undergo the required test could face withholding of their salaries.
The minister said he had also undergone hepatitis C testing, with the result coming back negative.
Screening centres established in Islamabad
Kamal said 17 screening points had been established in Islamabad as part of the initiative. He added that private hospitals conducting screening would also be provided with testing kits and necessary equipment.
According to the minister, the screening campaign is planned across Pakistan, with relevant ministries being asked to ensure testing of their employees, including ministers and other officials.
He said the government was also working to integrate screening data with national records. Devices have reportedly been provided by the Bureau of Statistics, while census-related software has been linked with NADRA records to facilitate identification and tracking of people who undergo screening.
Screening linked to travel and identification
Kamal said screening would also be required in certain situations, including before travelling abroad, while people deported to Pakistan would also undergo screening.
He further said the government planned to implement screening measures for passengers on flights for a three-month period as part of the wider campaign.
The minister urged citizens to make use of the free screening facilities, saying hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through infected blood and can remain undetected for years before causing serious complications.
Kamal said the government was providing free treatment under the Prime Minister’s programme for hepatitis C elimination. He also said screening would focus on people aged 12 and above.
Pakistan steps up hepatitis C elimination efforts
Pakistan has been working with the World Health Organization and other partners to expand hepatitis C prevention, screening and treatment. The Ministry of National Health Services has also established a dedicated Prime Minister’s Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection.
The WHO has previously said Pakistan aims to intensify hepatitis C prevention and elimination efforts, with nationwide screening identified as a key component of the programme.
The health minister also said Punjab had yet to provide some of the required data, but indicated that discussions were under way and that he planned to meet the Punjab chief minister to address the issue.
Note: The figures cited by the minister in the supplied report have been attributed to him rather than independently presented as an official prevalence estimate.
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