ISLAMABAD: The government has announced plans to make Hepatitis C screening mandatory for CNIC applicants. The requirement may also apply to people travelling abroad.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the decision on Tuesday. He spoke during the launch of a screening programme in Islamabad.
The programme targets government employees under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. Officials will introduce the screening process in different phases.
The first phase will cover the federal capital. The government plans to expand the programme to other areas later.
The minister said Hepatitis C screening would be mandatory for people aged 12 and above. He also announced mandatory testing for employees of the Ministry of National Health Services.
According to the minister, other federal ministries will also receive directions for similar screening programmes. Employees who refuse the mandatory test could face salary withholding.
The government has already started connecting screening records with the National Database and Registration Authority. This move is intended to improve record management and monitoring.
The minister said the government plans to link screening requirements with CNIC applications. He also said similar requirements could apply to people travelling abroad.
The proposed measures are part of a wider national effort against Hepatitis C. Authorities aim to increase testing and identify cases at an earlier stage.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. Many infected people may not experience noticeable symptoms for years.
Early screening can help identify infections and allow people to seek medical care. Expanding testing could therefore support broader disease control efforts.
The government’s new programme initially focuses on federal employees. However, officials have indicated plans for wider implementation across Pakistan.
The screening initiative also seeks to create a more organised national testing system. Linking records with NADRA could help authorities maintain updated screening information.
The proposed CNIC requirement would represent a major expansion of the screening programme. It could bring testing into the identity registration process.
The travel-related requirement could also extend screening to people leaving Pakistan. Further details about implementation and specific procedures have not yet been provided.
Authorities are expected to announce additional guidelines as the programme expands. These guidelines may clarify testing procedures, exemptions and implementation timelines.
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The government has described the measures as part of its goal to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat. Officials are now preparing to extend the screening programme beyond Islamabad.
