Pakistan’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme Faces Implementation Delays

NEW YORK: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed concern over the slow progress of Pakistan’s Hepatitis C elimination programme, saying only about 100,000 of nearly three million diagnostic tests purchased for the initiative have been used.

Aurangzeb raised the issue during a meeting with a representative of Abbott’s Pharmaceuticals Division in New York, where he is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Finance Division, the minister attributed the slow implementation to changes in leadership, weaknesses in project management and limited public awareness about the screening programme.

He stressed the need to address these challenges and accelerate implementation so that the available diagnostic resources can be used effectively.

The Finance Minister also appreciated Abbott’s technical support and its experience in assisting Egypt with its large-scale Hepatitis C screening programme.

The meeting also covered efforts to strengthen the regulatory capacity of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and opportunities to expand pharmaceutical exports.

Discussions further included Abbott’s plans related to oncology treatments and pending hardship cases involving medicine pricing.

Aurangzeb said medicine prices need to remain affordable for patients while also ensuring that pharmaceutical companies can maintain commercial viability and a consistent supply of medicines.

The minister said he would take up the implementation concerns with relevant authorities in Pakistan and work toward speeding up the Hepatitis C elimination programme.