Gilgit District Introduces Free Hepatitis C Screening
Free hepatitis C screening facilities have been established in Gilgit district under the Prime Minister's National Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis. These facilities are accessible at the deputy and additional deputy commissioner offices in Gilgit, as well as the assistant commissioner offices across the district's three sub-divisions.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the programme offers free diagnostic testing, treatment, and medicines to eligible patients, eliminating a significant financial burden, especially for low-income families.
The initiative, initially launched in Islamabad, is now expanding to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with a goal to provide wider nationwide coverage and improve access to free hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment.
Key Features of the Programme:
- Free initial screening tests.
- PCR testing for further diagnosis if required.
- Government-covered treatment and medicines.
The programme aims to identify undiagnosed patients through mass screening, ensure timely treatment, and ultimately, work towards the elimination of hepatitis C.