Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has raised concerns over delays in Pakistan’s Hepatitis C elimination programme.
During a meeting with a representative of Abbott’s Pharmaceuticals Division in New York, he noted that only about 100,000 of nearly three million procured diagnostic kits have been used.
According to the Finance Division, the minister attributed the slow implementation to leadership changes, weak project management and limited public awareness. He stressed the need to address these challenges to accelerate the programme.
Aurangzeb appreciated Abbott’s technical support and its experience in assisting Egypt with large-scale Hepatitis C screening. The meeting also covered strengthening the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s regulatory capacity and expanding pharmaceutical exports.
The discussions further focused on Abbott’s oncology treatment plans and delays in resolving hardship cases related to medicine pricing. Aurangzeb said policymakers needed to balance affordable medicines with manufacturers’ commercial viability and uninterrupted supplies.
The minister said he would raise the implementation issues with relevant authorities in Pakistan to expedite progress on the Hepatitis C elimination programme.
