Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that if hepatitis is left undiagnosed or inadequately treated, it can pose a grave threat to human life.
Govt prioritising Hepatitis prevention, awareness, quality treatment: Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP): Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that if hepatitis is left undiagnosed or inadequately treated, it can pose a grave threat to human life.
He said that ensuring effective prevention, early diagnosis, access to quality treatment, and raising public awareness are among the government’s foremost public health priorities.
He expressed these views in his message on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, observed globally on July 28 each year.
Ayaz Sadiq said that the observance of World Hepatitis Day aims to promote awareness about hepatitis and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment.
He said that the spread of hepatitis can be effectively controlled by adopting preventive measures, promoting safe medical practices, expanding screening programmes, and ensuring timely access to treatment.
Ayaz Sadiq commended Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for launching “Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C”, describing it as a timely and commendable initiative.
He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to make Pakistan free of Hepatitis C by 2030.
He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government’s effective efforts would lead to significant progress towards eliminating hepatitis.
Ayaz Sadiq also appreciated the government’s initiatives, including Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, nationwide public awareness campaigns, and awareness programmes conducted through educational institutions and the media. He said that Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) are also playing a vital role in raising public awareness and encouraging immunisation.
Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to strengthening the country’s public health system, preventing diseases, promoting preventive healthcare, and enacting effective legislation to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to the people.
He stressed the need for the federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, the media, and educational institutions to work collectively to enhance public awareness about hepatitis and adopt a coordinated strategy for its elimination.
In his message, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that public awareness, early diagnosis, and equitable access to treatment are essential for preventing hepatitis.
He urged every individual to adopt preventive measures, undergo regular medical check-ups, and follow safe medical practices.
He expressed confidence that through the collective efforts of the government, healthcare professionals, and all segments of society, Pakistan can achieve its national goal of becoming free from hepatitis.
