ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) led by its director held a meeting with Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Coordinator to PM on Health. The meeting, which also saw participation from Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahboob, focused on an array of pressing issues within the health sector besides other areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Dr Mukhtar expressed appreciation for the ongoing contributions of WHO in the health sector. “We hold in high regard the health services being rendered by the World Health Organization,” he said and elaborated on Prime Minister’s commitment to enhancing healthcare in Pakistan, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve health services across the nation.
A key topic of the meeting was the imminent launch of a comprehensive program to eradicate Hepatitis C, following the allocation of a substantial budget of Rs 68 billion. Dr Mukhtar informed the delegation that both federal and provincial governments would implement the Prime Minister’s initiative to combat Hepatitis C effectively. “We are committed to ensuring large-scale screening for a population of 160 million across the country,” he stated, adding that patients testing positive for the virus would receive free treatment. He acknowledged the significant burden of hepatitis in the country, prompting the Ministry of Health to devise a coordinated strategy aimed at its eradication.

Highlighting the seriousness of Hepatitis C complications that lead to increased mortality rates, Dr. Mukhtar remarked, “The treatment is expensive, and it is imperative that the provincial and federal governments work hand in hand to eradicate hepatitis.” As part of the strategy, the Health Ministry will enhance blood screening, testing, and treatment, guaranteeing the safe transfusion of blood.
Dr. Mukhtar also stressed the importance of implementing measures to use disposable syringes and infection control to prevent further spread of dieseas.
In a show of solidarity, the WHO Director assured Dr. Mukhtar of the organization’s full cooperation in the efforts to eliminate hepatitis, commending the government’s proactive measures to prevent the disease.