Kamal announces nationwide expansion of Hepatitis-C screening

Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal declared on Tuesday a nationwide extension of Hepatitis-C screening as part of the Prime Minister's initiative to combat the disease. Speaking to the media after inaugurating the screening for Ministry of Health personnel, the minister emphasized that mandatory screening would be implemented for all employees of the ministry, and urged every eligible Pakistani to undergo the crucial test.

He revealed that approximately 11 million people in Pakistan were currently Hepatitis-C positive, underscoring the disease's potential dangers, as it frequently remained undetected until significant complications arose. Kamal stated that screening of individuals aged 12 and above would be prioritized, and 17 screening points had already been established in Islamabad.

Private hospitals were also being equipped with screening kits and digital tools to facilitate the process. The government's plan to expand the program nationwide would follow suit. Kamal warned that undiagnosed and untreated Hepatitis-C could lead to liver cancer, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment. The government would provide medicines, valued at around Rs68,000, free of charge to patients under the program, encouraging people to take advantage of free screening and treatment opportunities.

Additionally, screenings would be conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad, with all deported and returning individuals required to undergo screening. The screening process would be implemented in three months on all flights. The health minister explained that the government was utilizing gadgets provided by the Bureau of Statistics along with census software, while the system was connected with NADRA records for identification and tracking purposes.

He also mentioned the possibility of linking Hepatitis-C screening with the Computerised National Identity Card, and making it mandatory before traveling abroad. Kamal attributed Hepatitis-C transmission primarily to infected blood and emphasized that timely screening was vital to prevent the disease's spread and reduce its burden.

He appealed to citizens to undergo screening and make the most of the free facilities offered under the government's initiative.