HEC to Support Free Hepatitis C Screening at Federal Universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has committed to supporting free Hepatitis C screening at federal universities, according to Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. This pledge came during a meeting with a delegation from Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory, headed by CEO Zubair Nasir. The delegation presented information about the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, during which the laboratory was appointed by the Government of Pakistan as the focal point for implementation.

The program aims to curb Hepatitis C by promoting early diagnosis, increasing public awareness, and ensuring timely treatment, especially among the youth and working-age population. National Skills University Islamabad will collaborate with the laboratory to organize screening camps at federal universities, with free treatment provided to those diagnosed with the disease.

HEC plans to inform universities about the program and motivate their participation. The commission will also issue an advisory urging universities to cooperate with the laboratory and National Skills University Islamabad, ensuring the screening activities reach as many individuals as possible. Senior HEC officials and representatives from the laboratory were present at the meeting.