ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that around 21,000 people have so far been screened under the national Hepatitis C programme, as the government steps up efforts to eliminate the disease from Pakistan by 2030.
Speaking at a seminar held to mark World Population Day, the minister said the government spends around Rs7,000 on screening each person and urged citizens to cooperate so the campaign can move forward more quickly.
He said patients diagnosed with Hepatitis C will receive free treatment from the government. The first treatment course costs about Rs34,000, while each patient will be provided up to two free treatment courses, bringing the total government support to Rs68,000 per patient.
Mustafa Kamal stressed that investing in healthcare is essential for the country’s future, noting that every dollar invested in health generates an estimated eight dollars in economic benefits.
He also announced that the government is preparing a new law under which people aged 12 years and above who complete Hepatitis C screening will also be required to undergo an HIV test.
The minister expressed concern over the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, saying antibiotics are becoming less effective. He noted that illnesses that previously took around three days to recover from are now taking up to eight days, highlighting the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and a stronger healthcare system.
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