The Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention Programme (LHEAP) has partnered with Gulf Care Hospital (GCH) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer free treatment for individuals suffering from Hepatitis B and C.
The MoU aims to provide complimentary services, including surgeries, ultrasound, medication, and consultations with specialists. Free blood screening and necessary lab tests will also be available to diagnose and treat those affected by the disease.
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Rawalpindi faces a high number of Hepatitis B and C cases across its union councils, with many individuals unable to afford the expensive treatment, putting them at greater risk.
From July to December, LHEAP teams conducted screenings in 10,347 households, testing 47,631 people and diagnosing 2,086 Hepatitis cases. This included 377 cases of Hepatitis B, 1,671 of Hepatitis C, and some individuals diagnosed with both.
A total of 13,413 individuals received the first dose of the Hepatitis vaccine, 7,819 received the second, and 21,426 were vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
In UC 8, which has the highest Hepatitis rates in Rawalpindi, 9,576 people were screened, and 437 cases of Hepatitis B and C were detected. Additionally, 651 individuals in this UC received the first dose of medication, and 682 were vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
Dr. Ansar Ishaq, CEO of LHEAP, highlighted the two-fold approach of raising awareness to prevent Hepatitis and providing access to medical care, including lab tests, treatment, and consultations.
