Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) can now access free hepatitis C screening, diagnostic testing and treatment under the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C.
The government has established nine screening centres across the two regions, including three in Gilgit-Baltistan and six in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the Ministry of National Health Services has advised residents to visit their nearest designated centres and take advantage of the facilities. Authorities have also encouraged communities to share information about the programme to increase public awareness and screening participation.
The expansion is part of the federal government’s efforts to improve hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment coverage and move towards eliminating the infection as a public health threat.
Free Hepatitis C PCR Testing and Treatment Available
Under the national programme, eligible patients can receive free initial screening, confirmatory PCR testing and treatment.
The government estimates that the PCR diagnostic test, which normally costs approximately Rs. 8,000, will be provided without charge. Treatment, valued at between Rs. 34,000 and Rs. 68,000, will also be covered under the initiative.
The screening process helps identify people who may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Those with positive initial screening results require further diagnostic testing to determine whether an active infection is present.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis C diagnosis generally involves an antibody test followed by an HCV RNA test to confirm an ongoing infection.
The distinction is important because a positive antibody result does not necessarily mean that someone currently has the virus.
Residents seeking information about designated screening facilities and programme arrangements can contact the government’s toll-free health helpline at 1166.
Pakistan Faces a Major Hepatitis C Challenge
Hepatitis C remains a significant public health concern in Pakistan, where millions of people are estimated to be living with the infection.
National programme figures cited by officials put the number of affected people in Pakistan at approximately 11 million. However, estimates vary depending on the reporting period and whether they count previous exposure or active infection.
The WHO’s latest global hepatitis information identifies approximately 47 million people worldwide as living with chronic hepatitis C infection. Its updated estimates underline the continuing need for wider testing and access to treatment.
Hepatitis C is a bloodborne viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It can spread through contaminated blood, unsafe medical injections, inadequately sterilised medical or dental equipment and the sharing of contaminated shaving instruments.
Untreated chronic infection can cause progressive liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Early Diagnosis Can Prevent Serious Liver Complications
One of the main objectives of the Prime Minister’s hepatitis elimination programme is to identify infections before they lead to advanced liver disease.
Hepatitis C often develops without noticeable symptoms, particularly during its early stages. As a result, people may remain unaware of an infection for years.
The WHO recommends appropriate testing and treatment to reduce the risk of long-term complications and prevent further transmission.
Modern direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of people with hepatitis C, according to the WHO. Treatment duration and the choice of medication depend on the patient’s clinical condition and medical assessment.
The health ministry has stressed that early screening, accurate diagnosis and completion of prescribed treatment are essential to controlling the disease.
Government Plans Nationwide Expansion of Hepatitis C Programme
The introduction of free services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir follows the programme’s earlier launch in Islamabad.
The federal government intends to extend screening, diagnostic testing and treatment facilities to additional parts of Pakistan as the national initiative progresses.
The programme is intended to improve access to healthcare, particularly for people who may otherwise face financial barriers to diagnostic testing and medication.
Residents of GB and AJK are encouraged to contact the 1166 helpline or visit designated government screening facilities for information about eligibility and available services.
The expansion represents another step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen hepatitis C prevention, diagnosis and treatment, although nationwide elimination will require sustained screening, reliable medicine supplies, safe healthcare practices and continued public awareness.
