Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal chaired a key meeting on Thursday regarding the Prime Minister's Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. The session was attended by senior officials, including the federal secretary, additional secretary, representatives from the National Institute of Health, heads of federal hospitals, and district health officers.
Programme Progress Briefed
During the meeting, the programme director provided a detailed briefing on the progress of Hepatitis C screening activities in Islamabad. The minister described the initiative as a vital national programme, noting that more than 10 million people in Pakistan are estimated to be living with Hepatitis C.
National Objective for Elimination
Mustafa Kamal directed all relevant institutions to ensure effective and coordinated measures for the elimination of the disease, emphasizing that making Pakistan Hepatitis C-free is a national objective. He highlighted that Pakistan has adopted the successful model implemented by Egypt and aims to replicate its achievements in combating Hepatitis C.
The minister stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, public awareness campaigns, expanded screening efforts, and timely treatment for patients who test positive. He noted that early identification and treatment of carriers can significantly reduce the spread of the disease.
Appeal to Public
Appealing to the public, Mustafa Kamal urged residents of Islamabad to avail themselves of free Hepatitis C testing services at 15 designated health facilities. He added that every citizen should get tested and encourage others to do the same. The minister reiterated that this initiative is crucial for safeguarding public health and achieving the goal of a Hepatitis C-free Pakistan.
