Free hepatitis C screening coming to Pakistan's federal universities
The HEC will back screening camps for students, faculty and staff under the Prime Minister's National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, with free treatment for anyone diagnosed.
At a glance
- HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar pledged support for screening students, faculty and staff at federal universities.
- Screening falls under the Prime Minister's National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme; people who test positive are treated free.
- Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory is the government-designated focal point, working with National Skills University Islamabad on campus camps.
- Specific universities and dates have not yet been announced.
Students and staff at Pakistan's federal universities will soon be able to get tested for hepatitis C on campus for free.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has pledged its support for screening under the Prime Minister's National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar made the commitment after a briefing at the HEC Secretariat by a delegation from Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory, led by its CEO Zubair Nasir.
How it will work
- Qamar Jahan Diagnostic Laboratory, designated by the Government of Pakistan as the programme's focal point, will run the testing.
- National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad will work with the laboratory to arrange screening camps at federal universities.
- The HEC will notify federal universities, encourage them to take part and issue an advisory asking them to cooperate.
Anyone diagnosed with hepatitis C through the programme will receive treatment at no cost. The programme focuses on early diagnosis, awareness and timely treatment, especially among young and working-age people.
Why it matters
Pakistan has one of the world's heaviest burdens of hepatitis C. Because the infection can stay silent for years, many people only find out once their liver is seriously damaged. Universities bring together large numbers of young adults, making them an efficient place to find and treat cases early.
The exact universities and camp dates have not yet been announced. Students and staff should look out for notices from their institutions.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.
Questions people are asking
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes. Modern antiviral tablets cure most people with hepatitis C in a few months. Early testing matters because the infection often causes no symptoms for years while damaging the liver.
How is hepatitis C spread?
Mainly through contact with infected blood — for example reused syringes, unsterilised medical or dental equipment, unsafe blood transfusions, or shared razors. It is not spread through food, water or casual contact.
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