HEC to support nationwide Hepatitis C screening at federal universities

ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has assured HEC’s full support for a nationwide initiative to screen students, faculty and employees at federal universities for Hepatitis C.

He gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation led by Zubair Nasir, CEO of Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory, at HEC Secretariat.

During the meeting, the Chairman was briefed on the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, under which Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory has been designated as the focal point by the Government of Pakistan for implementation.

The delegation informed that the programme aims to eliminate Hepatitis C through early diagnosis, awareness and timely treatment across the country, particularly among youth and working-age population.

It was apprised that under the initiative, National Skills University (NSU), Islamabad, in collaboration with the laboratory, will facilitate screening camps at federal universities, with provision of free treatment for those diagnosed with Hepatitis C.

The initiative will help in early detection of the disease and reduce its burden, as Hepatitis C remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan.

The Chairman appreciated the initiative and said HEC attaches high priority to health and well-being of students and academic community. He said universities can play a vital role in spreading awareness about preventable diseases.

He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to informing federal universities about the programme and encouraging their active participation in this important public health initiative.

He said HEC will issue advisory to federal universities to cooperate with NSU and Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory for smooth execution of screening activities and to ensure maximum coverage of students, faculty and staff.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials of HEC and representatives of the laboratory.