Celebrating a Milestone in the Fight Against Hepatitis C: A Vision Realized
Today marks a truly special and transformative moment in my journey as the President of PKI and Chairman of the Board of Governors at PKLI. After nearly 9 years of relentless effort, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the mission, I am honoured and elated to announce the successful launch of the pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Program in Gilgit Baltistan. This achievement is a dream realized, thanks to the blessings of Allah SWT, the support of the Prime Minister, and the collective effort of countless dedicated individuals. The pilot phase represents a critical step forward in combating Hepatitis C, a leading cause of liver failure and cancer, accounting for 80% of these conditions in the country. With the advent of a highly effective and affordable three-month treatment regimen for Hepatitis C, this program offers a transformative opportunity to prevent the suffering and loss of millions of lives. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, as Hepatitis C remains largely asymptomatic for up to two decades, allowing it to silently cause irreparable harm before symptoms ever appear. The success of the nationwide program hinges on the screening and identification of these “silent” patients. By diagnosing and treating them early, we can prevent liver failure and the onset of cancer. The Federal Government has allocated a generous 34 billion rupees for the first phase of the program, with additional support and collaboration from provincial governments as key implementing partners. As we move toward the official national launch in May 2025, it is imperative that this cause receives the backing of every sector of society—civil groups, professional organizations, and academic institutions alike. Their active support will be critical to the success of this mission, which will save countless lives and alleviate significant human suffering across Pakistan. This program is not just a medical endeavour; it is a call for national unity and action to address a preventable health crisis that affects millions of lives. Together, we can bring about an era of health equity, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.