PM Shehbaz orders speedy implementation of Hepatitis Control Program

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that screening of all patients should be ensured in all government hospitals to completely eliminate deadly diseases like hepatitis and AIDS.

He gave these directions while chairing a review meeting on the affairs of the Ministry of National Health Services in Islamabad today.

He also instructed the Ministry of National Health Services to develop an integrated system, in collaboration with provincial governments, for the reporting of hepatitis, AIDS, and other diseases, stating that only timely diagnosis can ensure their effective eradication.

Shehbaz Sharif further directed the Ministry to accelerate the implementation of the “Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Control Program,” in coordination with the provinces, for screening, testing, and treatment of hepatitis. He further instructed that auto-disable syringes be used across the country to prevent the spread of viral diseases, and directed DRAP and other relevant institutions to completely stop the reuse of syringes.

The Prime Minister said providing the best possible healthcare services to the citizens of Pakistan is among the top priorities of the government. He emphasized that the government is ready to go to every extent, overcome every obstacle, and make every sacrifice to save even a single precious life.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains determined to completely eradicate polio from the country.

The Prime Minister was briefed on ongoing measures for the elimination of polio, hepatitis, and AIDS.

It was highlighted that 98 Anti-Retroviral Therapy centers have been established in major hospitals across the country for the treatment of AIDS and their number will be increased to 164 within a year..

It was further informed that AIDS screening facilities have been initiated at all international airports for illegal immigrants returning to the country. The pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Program will soon be launched in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting was told that recent tests of environmental samples show a gradual decline in the presence of the poliovirus, which is encouraging. It was also shared that 98 percent coverage was achieved during the recent anti-polio campaign.