PM Shehbaz orders speedy implementation of Hepatitis Control Program

Islamabad  (Web Desk):Shehbaz Sharif has directed that screening of all patients must be ensured in all government hospitals to completely eliminate deadly diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS.

He issued these instructions while chairing a review meeting on the affairs of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination in Islamabad.

The Prime Minister instructed the ministry to develop an integrated disease-reporting system in coordination with provincial governments for hepatitis, AIDS, and other infectious diseases. He stressed that timely diagnosis is essential for effective prevention and eradication.

He also ordered the accelerated implementation of the “Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Control Programme” in collaboration with provinces, focusing on large-scale screening, testing, and treatment of hepatitis patients across the country.

He further directed the nationwide use of auto-disable syringes to prevent the spread of viral infections and instructed DRAP and other relevant bodies to completely eliminate the reuse of syringes.

Shehbaz Sharif said providing quality healthcare services to citizens remains one of the government’s top priorities. He added that the government is committed to overcoming all obstacles and making every possible effort to save human lives.

Reaffirming the national commitment, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is determined to fully eradicate polio from the country.

During the briefing, officials were informed about ongoing efforts against polio, hepatitis, and AIDS. It was shared that 98 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers have been established in major hospitals nationwide for AIDS treatment, with plans to increase their number to 164 within a year.

It was also noted that AIDS screening has begun at all international airports for illegal immigrants returning to Pakistan. Additionally, the pilot phase of the National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme will soon be launched in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

Officials further informed the meeting that environmental samples show a gradual decline in poliovirus presence, which is seen as a positive development. The recent anti-polio campaign also achieved 98 percent coverage nationwide.