ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, has inaugurated a mandatory Hepatitis-C screening program for government employees in Islamabad, as part of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Elimination Programme.

According to Radio Pakistan, the initiative will be implemented in phases, beginning with the Federal Capital. The screening is mandatory for all individuals in Pakistan over the age of twelve. The government has set up seventeen centers in Islamabad and is collaborating with private hospitals to offer Hepatitis-C testing facilities. Testing kits and equipment are being provided to private hospitals as part of the initiative.

Mustafa Kamal stated that the screening has already been made mandatory for employees of the Health Ministry, with plans to extend this requirement to other ministries. He highlighted the serious concern over the spread of Hepatitis-C in Pakistan, emphasizing that effective treatment and awareness are crucial for controlling the infection.

The screening resources have also been distributed to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, with plans to launch the program in these regions soon. The Federal government is in talks with provincial authorities to ensure nationwide implementation of the program.