Islamabad: On World Hepatitis Day, Pakistan has committed to eliminating hepatitis as a significant public health challenge. The country faces one of the highest burdens of Hepatitis C globally, and the government has prioritized equitable access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment services.

According to Press Information Department, the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection was launched in 2025, aiming to provide free and timely healthcare services to millions of Pakistanis. The initiative has begun in Islamabad, with major public healthcare facilities and hospitals participating. Mobile screening units have also been deployed to reach communities more effectively, and individuals needing further evaluation and treatment are enrolled in the program without financial burden.

The government has banned the manufacture, distribution, and reuse of substandard syringes to curb the disease’s spread. Compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare facilities is being enforced, with accountability measures in place for any negligence.

The Federal Government is collaborating with provincial authorities, development partners, and the private sector to minimize the disease’s impact. The Prime Minister urged Pakistanis to undergo Hepatitis C screening and promote safe healthcare and hygiene practices. He also commended healthcare workers for their dedication and urged them to maintain exemplary professional standards.

The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national and global commitment to eliminate Hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030.