ISLAMABAD (APP) – Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal urged citizens to avail themselves of free Hepatitis C screening facilities and encourage others to do the same to help combat the deadly disease._x000D_
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“It is the responsibility of every citizen to get tested and motivate others to undergo screening as well,†the minister said while chairing a meeting on the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Programme. The meeting was attended by the Federal Health Secretary, Additional Health Secretary, heads of federal hospitals and other officials._x000D_
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During the meeting, the programme director briefed participants on the progress of Hepatitis C screening activities in Islamabad._x000D_
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Addressing the participants, the minister said the eradication of Hepatitis C was a national objective and that the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Programme held significant importance in achieving this goal._x000D_
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He noted that more than 10 million people in Pakistan were living with Hepatitis C and directed the heads of all institutions to ensure effective measures for eliminating the disease._x000D_
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“The coordinated role of all institutions is indispensable in the fight against Hepatitis C,†he said, adding that the initiative was not merely a programme but a national campaign aimed at securing the country’s future._x000D_
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Mustafa Kamal also stressed the need to intensify public awareness campaigns to encourage maximum participation in screening activities._x000D_
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He said timely identification and treatment of Hepatitis C patients could significantly help prevent further spread of the disease._x000D_
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The minister directed authorities to make the screening process faster and more accessible so that a larger number of people could benefit from the facility._x000D_
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He further emphasized the importance of ensuring timely treatment for individuals who test positive for the disease._x000D_
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The minister appealed to the public to get their free Hepatitis C tests conducted at the 15 designated health facilities operating in Islamabad.
