Chiang Rai Aims to Become a Global Health Tourism Hub

The world is changing rapidly. Artificial Intelligence (AI), genetic research, robotic surgery, and modern medicines have revolutionized healthcare in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. Many deadly diseases have been brought under control, while others can now be completely cured. Yet despite these remarkable advances, one disease continues to silently destroy the lives of millions of people. It progresses for years without obvious symptoms, quietly damaging the body from within. That disease is Hepatitis C, often referred to by medical experts as the “silent killer.” Every year, July 28 is observed as World Hepatitis Day. The day aims to raise public awareness, emphasize the importance of early screening and timely treatment, and remind governments that viral hepatitis remains one of the world’s major public health challenges. For Pakistan, this day carries particular significance because the country now bears the world’s largest burden of Hepatitis C. The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has officially launched the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). During its first six months, the programme aims to reach 1.6 million people in ICT, before expanding nationwide to provide services to more than 164 million people. Its primary objective is to eliminate Hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030, in line with the commitment adopted by the World Health Assembly. Globally, an estimated 50 million people are living with Hepatitis C, and nearly 10 million of them are in Pakistan, making the country home to the largest Hepatitis C burden in the world. Worldwide, only one in every three infected individuals is aware that they have Hepatitis C. The most dangerous aspect of Hepatitis C is that patients often feel perfectly healthy for many years. During this time, the virus gradually damages the liver. By the time symptoms such as persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or abdominal pain appear, the liver has often already suffered severe damage. This is why medical experts describe Hepatitis C as the “silent killer.” Rather than attacking suddenly, it quietly weakens the body over many years. Every Pakistani should ask an important question: if many countries have successfully reduced Hepatitis C infections, why does Pakistan continue to struggle with this crisis? There are several reasons. The widespread overuse of injections, the reuse of contaminated syringes, unsafe and unscreened blood transfusions, unregistered blood banks, improperly sterilized surgical and dental instruments, repeated use of razor blades by barbers, and poor infection control practices all contribute significantly to the spread of the disease. In many communities, injections are still widely believed to be the most effective treatment for almost every illness. However, unsafe injection practices remain one of the leading causes of transmission of Hepatitis C and several other infectious diseases. Pakistan’s share of the global Hepatitis C burden is alarmingly high. Every year, approximately 110,000 new infections are reported. Most of these are associated with unsafe medical practices, while a significant proportion occurs among people who inject drugs using shared needles. Many countries have successfully controlled Hepatitis C through safe blood transfusion systems, strict infection prevention measures, quality healthcare services, and widespread screening programmes. Countries such as Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have achieved remarkably low Hepatitis C prevalence. Egypt is another remarkable example. Once among the countries most severely affected by Hepatitis C, Egypt dramatically reduced the disease burden through nationwide screening, free treatment, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns. Across many urban and rural areas of Sindh, Hepatitis remains a serious public health concern. Limited access to quality healthcare, the growing number of unregistered clinics, unsafe medical practices, and low public awareness continue to worsen the situation. In rural communities, many people still prefer injections even for minor illnesses such as fever or body aches. If a syringe is reused or not properly sterilized, this common practice can easily spread the virus. The impact of Hepatitis extends far beyond the patient. When the family’s primary breadwinner falls ill, the entire household suffers. Medical expenses, loss of income, disruption of children’s education, and psychological stress together create a serious social and economic burden. For this reason, Hepatitis should not be viewed merely as a medical issue. It is also a challenge closely linked to national development, poverty reduction, and the protection of human capital. Recognizing the growing burden of Hepatitis, the Government of Pakistan has launched a nationwide Hepatitis C elimination programme focused on mass screening, free treatment, and access to modern medicines. At the same time, the Government of Sindh is implementing the Hepatitis Free Sindh Programme, providing free screening, laboratory testing, Hepatitis B vaccination, and treatment services at government hospitals throughout the province. These initiatives are important, but they alone are not enough. Unless people become aware of these services and access is extended to remote and underserved communities, the desired outcomes will remain difficult to achieve. Preventing Hepatitis is both simple and highly effective. People should always insist on the use of new, sealed syringes, receive only properly screened blood during transfusions, ensure that a new razor blade is used for every shave, confirm that dental and surgical instruments are properly sterilized, avoid sharing personal hygiene items, and receive vaccination against Hepatitis B. By following these basic precautions, thousands of new infections can be prevented every year. The fight against Hepatitis is not solely the responsibility of doctors or hospitals. Governments, the private sector, educational institutions, the media, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and every citizen all have vital roles to play in controlling this epidemic. There is an urgent need to expand free screening services across every district, take strict action against illegal clinics, strengthen the regulation of blood banks, provide mandatory infection prevention training for barbers and beauty salons, and integrate health education into school and university curricula. For Pakistan, Hepatitis C is not merely a medical condition—it is a national crisis. Fortunately, it is also a disease