Hepatitis screening made mandatory for Islamabad employees

The federal government has decided to launch mandatory hepatitis screening for all government employees in Islamabad.

Employees working in federal ministries will also be required to undergo screening. The move is part of the government’s efforts to detect hepatitis cases at an early stage and provide timely treatment.

According to sources in the Ministry of Health, the screening will be conducted under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme. The programme aims to identify people infected with hepatitis and connect them with free diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Employees who test positive during the initial screening will be referred for a PCR test. The PCR test will be provided free of cost under the programme.

The government will also provide free medicines to patients after completion of the PCR testing process. The initiative is intended to reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure that those diagnosed with hepatitis receive proper treatment.

The Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme has a total allocation of Rs67 billion. The funds will be used for screening, diagnostic tests, treatment and other measures aimed at controlling the spread of hepatitis.

Free hepatitis screening is already being conducted at different locations across Islamabad. The government plans to expand the screening process to federal government employees as part of the wider programme.

Sources said more than 50,000 hepatitis screening kits have already been purchased. The kits will be used to screen employees and identify suspected cases.

Machinery for PCR testing has also been installed at the National Institutes of Health in Islamabad. The facility will help process tests for people who are found positive during the initial screening.

Health authorities are focusing on early diagnosis because many hepatitis patients may not show clear symptoms in the initial stages. Regular screening can help identify infections before they cause serious health complications.

The mandatory screening of government employees is therefore being seen as an important step in strengthening hepatitis prevention and treatment efforts in the federal capital.