Islamabad: Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal today launched mandatory screening of Hepatitis-C for all government employees in Islamabad under the Prime Minister's Hepatitis Elimination Programme. Addressing the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad, he stated that this is a phased programme, beginning with the Federal Capital in its initial phase. He emphasized that Hepatitis-C screening is mandatory for every person in Pakistan who is above the age of twelve years.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister for Health mentioned that the government has established seventeen centers in Islamabad, and private hospitals will also provide Hepatitis-C screening facilities. The government is supplying gadgets and testing kits to these private hospitals to facilitate the process.

Mustafa Kamal announced that Hepatitis-C test screening has been made compulsory for employees of the Health Ministry and mentioned that letters are being sent to other ministries to implement the same policy. He expressed grave concern over the spread of Hepatitis-C in the country, highlighting that the infection can be controlled through effective treatment and increased public awareness.

Furthermore, Mustafa Kamal revealed that screening kits and equipment have also been supplied to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, with plans to extend the programme to these regions shortly. He added that the Federal government is in consultations to involve all provinces in tackling this issue collaboratively.