ISLAMABAD: One of the largest public health interventions undertaken in Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme launched on Wednesday.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, while speaking to participants of the event, said that Rs67 billion has been allocated to combat one of Pakistan’s most serious public health challenges. A complete three to six months treatment course will be provided free of cost under the programme.

He highlighted the alarming burden of Hepatitis C, stating that out of nearly 60 million Hepatitis patients worldwide, approximately 10 million are in Pakistan alone. He further noted that nearly 80 per cent of patients remain unaware of their condition and unknowingly continue to transmit the disease.

“Hepatitis C is a life-threatening disease that can eventually lead to liver cancer if left untreated. Prevention is better than a cure. The true meaning of healthcare is to prevent people from becoming sick,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan’s healthcare system must transition from a “sick-care” model to a genuine healthcare system focused on prevention and early intervention.

He informed that, with the support of National Database and Registration Authority, nationwide screening will be conducted using national database integration to ensure maximum outreach and transparency. Initially, 12 Hepatitis C screening counters have been established at federal hospitals in Islamabad for diagnosis and facilitation of patients, he said.

The minister urged citizens to actively participate in the screening campaign, emphasising that the programme’s success depended heavily on public cooperation. He announced that the Hepatitis C screening test, which typically costs around Rs7,000, along with a complete three to six-month treatment course, will be provided free of cost under the programme.

Drawing inspiration from Egypt, which successfully eliminated Hepatitis C through mass screening campaigns, Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan can achieve similar success through collective effort and determination. “If Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, why can’t Pakistan?” he questioned. He warned that Hepatitis patients affect not only themselves but also their family and the surrounding community. He appealed to the public to undergo timely screening before the disease progresses to an irreversible stage.

Meanwhile, Mustafa Kamal held a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Pakistan S. Paul Kapur to discuss bilateral cooperation in the health sector and matters of mutual interest. The meeting was also attended by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.

The minister appreciated the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States in the health sector. He stated that Pakistan shared deep-rooted and decades-long strong relations with the United States, which continue to expand across multiple sectors, including public health.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral collaboration in healthcare, public health systems, and disease prevention initiatives.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026