Every Pakistani Over 12 to Be Screened as Hepatitis C Cases Soar

News Desk

Islamabad: The government has decided to launch a nationwide screening campaign for Hepatitis C as the number of infected people in Pakistan has surpassed 11 million, according to the Director of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Control Program, Dr Zia Dawar.

Speaking to Samaa news, Dr. Dawar said every citizen aged 12 and above would be screened for Hepatitis C as part of the government’s efforts to control the spread of the disease.

He said the national programme would be implemented in three stages covering screening, diagnostic testing and treatment. The government would bear the expenses associated with diagnosis and treatment under the programme.

According to Dr. Dawar, the estimated cost of screening and testing is around Rs7,500 per patient, while treatment could cost up to Rs64,000.

He said approximately 160 million people had already been screened across the country, while further efforts were being planned to expand access to testing and treatment facilities.

The government also plans to screen federal government employees for Hepatitis C. Dr. Dawar said a recommendation had been made to take action against employees who refuse to undergo testing, including possible suspension of salaries. Screening camps would also be established at federal ministries.

In addition, Hepatitis C screening facilities are planned for passengers at airports across the country, he said.

Dr. Dawar added that screening and treatment facilities had already been established at 18 government hospitals, while authorities were also considering expanding testing services to private hospitals.

The nationwide initiative is aimed at identifying infected individuals at an early stage and ensuring they receive timely treatment, as authorities step up efforts to curb Hepatitis C in Pakistan.