Nationwide Hepatitis C Screening Drive Delayed

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has raised concerns over the slow implementation of Pakistan’s Hepatitis C elimination program, noting that only around 100,000 of approximately three million procured diagnostic tests have been utilized.

The Finance Minister discussed the issue during a meeting with a representative of Abbott’s Pharmaceuticals Division in New York on the second day of his official visit for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Finance Division, Aurangzeb attributed the slow progress to leadership turnover, inadequate project management and limited public awareness. He said the implementation issues needed to be addressed to accelerate the program.

The Finance Minister appreciated Abbott’s technical assistance, including its experience in supporting Egypt’s large-scale Hepatitis C screening program. The meeting also covered strengthening the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s regulatory capacity and diversifying pharmaceutical exports.

Discussions also included Abbott’s plans for oncology treatment and delays in resolving hardship medicine-pricing cases. Aurangzeb acknowledged the need to balance medicine affordability with commercial viability and continuity of supply.

The Finance Minister said he would raise the implementation issues with the relevant authorities in Pakistan to expedite progress on the Hepatitis C elimination program.