Major Health Move: Govt Employees to Get Hepatitis Screening
ISLAMABAD: The government has announced a major health initiative under which government employees in Islamabad will undergo hepatitis screening, with the programme scheduled to begin on August 18.
According to sources, employees working in all federal ministries and government departments will be included in the screening programme. The initiative is aimed at detecting hepatitis C at an early stage and ensuring that affected employees receive timely medical care.
Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal is expected to formally launch the hepatitis C screening initiative at the Ministry of Health. The programme will provide government employees with access to screening facilities without financial burden.
Under the initiative, employees who test positive for hepatitis C during the initial screening will be provided free PCR testing to confirm the diagnosis. Those diagnosed with hepatitis will also receive free medicines from the government as part of the programme.
The screening initiative is being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme, which has reportedly been allocated a total of Rs67 billion. An amount of Rs1 billion has been allocated for the programme during the current fiscal year.
Sources said the government has already taken steps to ensure the availability of testing facilities and equipment. Around 50,000 testing kits have reportedly been procured for the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme.
Meanwhile, testing of hepatitis C samples is currently being carried out at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where samples are being examined to identify individuals who may require further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
Hepatitis C is a major public health concern and can remain undetected for a long period because infected individuals may not immediately experience noticeable symptoms. Early screening can help identify the infection before it develops into more serious health complications.
The government’s decision to screen federal employees is therefore being viewed as an effort to improve early detection and expand access to healthcare services.
The programme will not only focus on identifying hepatitis C cases but will also facilitate those who test positive by providing confirmatory testing and medicines free of cost.
Officials and health authorities are expected to provide further details about the screening process, including the locations and procedures through which employees will be tested.
The initiative is part of broader efforts under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme to strengthen hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment services across the country.
By launching screening among federal government employees, authorities aim to encourage early diagnosis, timely treatment and greater awareness about hepatitis C.
The programme could also help identify previously undiagnosed cases and connect affected employees with appropriate medical services, while reducing the financial burden associated with diagnostic tests and treatment.
