Islamabad, March 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among federal and provincial governments, as well as all stakeholders, to eliminate Hepatitis C from Pakistan. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding and promoting the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme nationwide.
Speaking at a recognition ceremony marking the successful completion of the pilot project of the PM’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the initiative in addressing the widespread impact of the disease in the country.
Acknowledging the crucial support from the Aga Khan Development Network and the World Health Organization (WHO), he noted that the hepatitis unit was initially established at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) and later expanded to provide 100% free treatment facilities.
The Prime Minister expressed regret over the discontinuation of the program in 2018 but assured that he reinstated the initiative after assuming office. He lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for overseeing the program’s operation in the province and expressed optimism that Hepatitis C would soon be eradicated from Pakistan.
“This aggressive disease is spreading. This is high time to effectively control this disease,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz Sharif also announced the establishment of the Jinnah Medical Centre in Islamabad, envisioned as Pakistan’s equivalent of the John Hopkins Hospital for public healthcare.
During the event, the Prime Minister distributed shields among contributors to the pilot project in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, NADRA Chairman, WHO representatives in Pakistan, and other dignitaries.
Government Aims to Eliminate Hepatitis C by 2029
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s high prevalence of Hepatitis C, calling it a matter of grave concern. He credited the program’s success to a strong public-private partnership and effective coordination between federal and provincial governments. He expressed hope that by 2029, the disease would be eradicated, ultimately saving millions of lives and contributing to the country’s economic productivity.
Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal lauded the Prime Minister’s vision and assured full support in achieving the goal of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030. He stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, pointing out the challenges posed by treating 10 million cases.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Lou Dapeng reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in eliminating Hepatitis C. He commended the swift action taken by the health departments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir and praised the screening of 14,000 individuals in two union councils as a commendable achievement.
Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Member of the Task Force for the PM’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, revealed that Rs 68 billion had been allocated for the program, which will be implemented in two phases.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath were also present at the event.
