ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to fast-track the implementation of the government’s Hepatitis Control Program, stressing the need for comprehensive screening in all public hospitals to combat life-threatening diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the performance of the Ministry of National Health Services in Islamabad, the prime minister instructed officials to ensure that every patient visiting government healthcare facilities is tested. He emphasized that early detection is critical for eliminating infectious diseases.
Sharif also called for the development of a coordinated, nationwide disease reporting system in collaboration with provincial governments. The system would focus on tracking hepatitis, AIDS, and other illnesses to enable timely intervention and control.
Highlighting preventive measures, the prime minister ordered the mandatory use of auto-disable syringes across the country to curb the spread of viral infections. He further directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and relevant bodies to strictly enforce a ban on the reuse of syringes.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public health, he said ensuring quality healthcare remains a top priority and pledged full efforts to safeguard lives. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate polio nationwide.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that 98 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres are currently operational in major hospitals for AIDS treatment, with plans to expand the number to 164 within a year. Screening facilities for AIDS have also been introduced at international airports for returning illegal immigrants.
The meeting was further told that the pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Program will soon begin in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Encouragingly, recent environmental testing has shown a gradual decline in poliovirus presence, while the latest anti-polio drive achieved 98% coverage across the country.
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