Free hepatitis C screening, treatment facility launched in GB, AJK

ISLAMABAD, Nov 01 (APP): Free hepatitis C screening, diagnostic testing and treatment facilities have been launched in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) under the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, expanding access to free healthcare services in the two regions.

According to official sources, under the initiative, three screening centres have been established in Gilgit-Baltistan and six in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate residents in accessing free testing and treatment.

The Ministry of National Health Services has advised the residents to visit their nearest designated screening centres to benefit from the facilities. The ministry has also urged people to share the information with their families and communities to encourage wider participation.

The programme provides free initial screening, PCR diagnostic testing worth approximately Rs 8,000 and treatment costing between Rs 34,000 and Rs 68,000, without any charge to eligible patients.

Hepatitis C remains a major public health challenge, affecting an estimated 60 million people worldwide and around 11 million in Pakistan.

The infection can spread through contaminated blood, unsafe injections and infected shaving blades, and may lead to severe liver complications, including liver cancer if left untreated.

The ministry emphasized that hepatitis C is curable and early screening, timely diagnosis and completion of treatment can prevent serious complications and reduce transmission.

They said residents can contact the toll-free helpline 1166 for further information and guidance regarding screening centres and treatment facilities.

They said expansion to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir follows the launch of the programme in Islamabad, with the government planning to extend free screening, diagnosis and treatment services across the country as part of its commitment to a hepatitis C-free Pakistan.