Patients suffering from hepatitis in the province of Punjab are currently awaiting the timely provision of essential medication.,

 LAHORE: Patients enrolled in the Hepatitis Control Program in Lahore are currently facing a delay in receiving their required medications to complete their treatment course.

It has been reported that the lives of these patients, who are registered with the Hepatitis Control Program in Punjab, are at risk due to a shortage of medicines in the clinics established across the province.

Dr. Abid Ghauri, the Manager of the Hepatitis Control Program, stated that the health department did not procure the medicines due to the high rates quoted. However, he assured that a new tender has been issued for the purchase of medicines and it is expected that the supply will be restored by October 15.

Earlier, Pakistan's Envoy to the United States, Sardar Masood Khan, emphasized the country's commitment to addressing the challenge of hepatitis and achieving the World Health Organization's global elimination targets by 2030. Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks while representing Pakistan at the second annual meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis during the UNGA78.

Hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by various infectious viruses and noninfectious agents, leading to a range of health complications, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, namely types A, B, C, D, and E. While all types cause liver disease, they differ in terms of transmission modes, severity of illness, geographical distribution, and prevention methods. Types B and C, in particular, can result in chronic disease, affecting millions of people and being the leading cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis-related deaths worldwide.