Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that patient screening be ensured in government hospitals for the elimination of hepatitis and AIDS.
A review meeting regarding the affairs of the Ministry of National Health was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister said that providing the best healthcare services to citizens is among the top priorities, adding that for the protection of even a single life, they are ready to go to every extent, overcome every obstacle, and make every sacrifice.
The Prime Minister directed the formation of an integrated system for timely reporting of hepatitis, AIDS, and other diseases, stating that only timely diagnosis can ensure complete control of these diseases.
He said that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the provinces, should accelerate the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Control Program. The use of auto disable syringes should be ensured across the country to prevent the spread of diseases.
The Prime Minister said that DRAP and other institutions should ensure a complete ban on the reuse of syringes.
He added that they are committed to the complete eradication of polio from Pakistan. A briefing was given in the meeting on ongoing measures for the elimination of polio, hepatitis, and AIDS.
The briefing informed that 98 antiretroviral therapy centers have been established in major hospitals across the country, and their number will be increased to 164 within a year.
According to the briefing, AIDS screening has begun at airports for illegal immigrants returning to the country, while recent tests of environmental samples show a gradual decrease in the presence of the polio virus.
The briefing also stated that the coverage during the recent anti polio campaign remained at 98 percent.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, and Focal Person for Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq.
