Nationwide Hepatitis C control campaign launched

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2026) The government has formally initiated a nationwide campaign against Hepatitis C, one of the country’s most serious public health challenges.

Addressing the soft-launch ceremony, Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal termed the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme a historic and revolutionary step towards building a healthier Pakistan.

He said that this Rs 67 billion programme was among the largest public health initiatives undertaken in Pakistan and marked the culmination of nearly a decade of efforts to combat Hepatitis C.

He highlighted the growing disease burden, stating that nearly 10 million Pakistanis are affected by Hepatitis C out of around 60 million patients worldwide.

He added that almost 80 percent of infected individuals remain unaware of their condition, leading to continued transmission of the virus.

“Hepatitis C is a dangerous disease that can ultimately lead to liver cancer if left untreated,” Mustafa Kamal said, stressing that the country’s healthcare system must shift from a sick-care approach to a preventive healthcare model focused on early diagnosis and treatment.

The minister announced that nationwide screening would be conducted with the support of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure transparency and maximum outreach.

He said that as part of the initial phase, 12 Hepatitis C screening counters have been established at Federal hospitals in Islamabad.

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He urged citizens to participate actively in the screening campaign, saying public cooperation was vital for the programme’s success.

The minister said the Hepatitis C screening test, which usually costs around Rs7,000, along with a complete three-to-six-month treatment course, would be provided free of cost under the initiative.

Referring to Egypt’s successful elimination of Hepatitis C through mass screening campaigns, Mustafa Kamal expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve similar results through collective efforts. "If Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, why can’t Pakistan."

The minister pointed to the immense burden on the healthcare system caused by rapid population growth, noting that doctors often have to examine more than 350 patients daily instead of the expected 30.

He directed hospital administrations and healthcare workers to ensure full cooperation and respectful treatment for all citizens visiting screening centres.

Mustafa Kamal described public service as a humanitarian and spiritual responsibility, saying serving humanity was equivalent to an act of worship.

The ceremony reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating Hepatitis C and strengthening preventive healthcare across the country.