Govt Launches Nationwide Hepatitis C Screening Drive

The Pakistani government has announced a nationwide hepatitis C screening campaign, as the nation's patient population has surpassed 11 million. Dr. Zia Dawar, leader of the Prime Minister's Hepatitis Prevention Program, informed Samaa that all individuals aged 12 and above will be screened as part of this initiative. The objective is to screen approximately 160 million people across the country.

The program will proceed in three phases, encompassing screening, testing, and treatment, with the government covering the entire expense for both diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Dawar estimates that screening and testing will incur a cost of around Rs. 7,500 per person, whereas treatment costs could escalate to Rs. 64,000 per patient.

Federal government workers will also be mandated to undergo hepatitis C testing, while authorities may opt to withhold salaries of employees who decline to be tested. Screening tents will be set up at federal ministries to streamline the process. Additionally, the government intends to screen travelers at airports for hepatitis C. Screening and treatment facilities have already been established at 18 government hospitals, and there are discussions about extending testing services to private hospitals as well.