Islamabad: In a decisive move to combat Hepatitis C, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated a screening initiative for the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination by volunteering for testing himself. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the disease starting from within its own ranks.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s programme to eliminate Hepatitis C, screening will be mandatory for every individual aged 12 and above across Pakistan, including all Ministry of Health employees. The initiative will extend to all attached departments and other federal ministries, urging them to ensure their employees undergo screening.

Islamabad serves as the launch point for this nationwide initiative, with 17 government screening centers currently operational. The government is engaging private hospitals to expand access by providing screening equipment and kits, aiming for comprehensive outreach. Efforts are also being made to provide screening kits and equipment to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, with provinces gradually joining the campaign.

The Minister noted that individuals deported from abroad are being screened at international airports and other entry points, with plans to further expand the program in the coming months. The campaign is supported by digital technology, integrating screening records with NADRA data for future accessibility.

Highlighting the prevalence of Hepatitis C in the country, the Minister pointed out that an estimated 11 million people may be affected. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and free treatment, which includes medication valued at up to Rs. 68,000 per patient.

Encouraging public participation, Syed Mustafa Kamal shared his own screening experience, urging citizens to utilize the free testing facilities. He called on parents to ensure the screening of their children and family members, emphasizing the significance of early detection for individual and community health.