Islamabad, July 27, 2026: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for intensified national efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat hepatitis, warning that the disease can become life-threatening if left undiagnosed or inadequately treated.
In his message on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, observed globally on July 28, the Speaker said that effective prevention, early diagnosis, access to quality treatment and public awareness remained among the government’s foremost public health priorities.
He said World Hepatitis Day serves to raise awareness about the disease and highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. He noted that hepatitis can be effectively controlled through preventive measures, safe medical practices, expanded screening programmes and timely access to healthcare services.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq commended Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for launching the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, describing it as a timely and significant initiative aimed at making Pakistan free of Hepatitis C by 2030.
He expressed confidence that the government’s continued efforts under the prime minister’s leadership would lead to substantial progress in eliminating the disease.
The Speaker also appreciated government initiatives, including Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, nationwide public awareness campaigns and educational programmes conducted through schools, colleges and the media. He said Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) were playing a vital role in promoting immunisation and creating awareness among communities.
Reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s public health system, the Speaker said lawmakers would continue supporting measures aimed at disease prevention, promoting preventive healthcare and enacting effective legislation to ensure quality healthcare services for all citizens.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, educational institutions and the media to enhance public awareness and implement a comprehensive strategy for eliminating hepatitis.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his separate message, said public awareness, early diagnosis and equitable access to treatment were essential to preventing hepatitis. He urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, undergo regular medical check-ups and follow safe medical practices.
He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the government, healthcare professionals and all segments of society would enable Pakistan to achieve its goal of becoming free from hepatitis.
