Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital has officially joined the national hepatitis screening network, marking a significant step toward wider early detection and timely treatment across the country.
The hospital was declared a dedicated hepatitis screening site by the government. The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr Zia Ullah Khan Dawar, Project Director of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis. This designation came after the Ministry of Health, under Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, named ANTH as the focal point for the prime minister’s hepatitis elimination programme.
Dr Dawar highlighted the government’s strong commitment to bringing hepatitis screening closer to ordinary people. He stressed that expanding screening facilities is essential for eliminating the disease because early detection allows patients to receive treatment in time and helps avoid serious long-term complications such as liver damage and cancer.
He explained that including Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital in the national screening network will strengthen the overall programme. The hospital brings valuable clinical capacity, modern healthcare infrastructure and a large patient base. This partnership demonstrates how public-private collaboration can effectively advance national health goals.
Hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan, with many cases going undetected until the disease has already progressed. By adding more screening sites like ANTH, health authorities aim to identify infected individuals at an earlier stage. Once detected, patients can be linked to care and treatment services without delay.
The move also supports the broader vision of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis. Officials believe that combining government resources with the clinical strengths of teaching hospitals will improve both coverage and quality of screening services. Residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas will now have better access to reliable testing facilities at a well-equipped institution.
Dr Dawar further noted that wider screening forms the foundation of any successful elimination strategy. Without knowing who is infected, it becomes difficult to break the chain of transmission and reduce the overall disease burden. ANTH’s participation is expected to increase testing numbers and improve referral pathways for positive cases.
Health experts welcome the decision, saying that every new screening site brings the country closer to its elimination targets. The hospital’s existing laboratory facilities, trained staff and patient footfall make it a practical and effective addition to the network.
With this step, the government continues to expand the reach of free or low-cost hepatitis screening services. Early diagnosis remains the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from the long-term effects of the disease. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital now stands as an important partner in this ongoing national effort.
