hepatitis screening made
| |

Hepatitis screening made mandatory for Islamabad e…

The federal government has decided to launch mandatory hepatitis screening for all government employees in Islamabad.

Employees working in federal ministries will also be required to undergo screening. The move is part of the government’s efforts to detect hepatitis cases at an early stage and provide timely treatment.

According to sources in the Ministry of Health, the screening will be conducted under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme. The programme aims to identify people infected with hepatitis and connect them with free diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Employees who test positive during the initial screening will be referred for a PCR test. The PCR test will be provided free of cost under the programme.

The government will also provide free medicines to patients after completion of the PCR testing process. The initiative is intended to reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure that those diagnosed with hepatitis receive proper treatment.

The Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme has a total allocation of Rs67 billion. The funds will be used for screening, diagnostic tests, treatment and other measures aimed at controlling the spread of hepatitis.

Free hepatitis screening is already being conducted at different locations across Islamabad. The government plans to expand the screening process to federal government employees as part of the wider programme.

Sources said more than 50,000 hepatitis screening kits have already been purchased. The kits will be used to screen employees and identify suspected cases.

Machinery for PCR testing has also been installed at the National Institutes of Health in Islamabad. The facility will help process tests for people who are found positive during the initial screening.

Health authorities are focusing on early diagnosis because many hepatitis patients may not show clear symptoms in the initial stages. Regular screening can help identify infections before they cause serious health complications.

The mandatory screening of government employees is therefore being seen as an important step in strengthening hepatitis prevention and treatment efforts in the federal capital.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Mushfiqur breaks Bangladesh record before Australia Test

    SYDNEY: Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim created a unique record before even taking the field in his first Test match in Australia, adding another milestone to an already remarkable international career. Mushfiqur entered the Australia Test having already played 103 Test matches, making him the most experienced player ever to feature in a Test in Australia for the first time. The achievement underlined the longevity of his career. While most players make their first appearance in a country relatively early in their Test journey, Mushfiqur reached the landmark after more than a century of matches. Before him, the record among Bangladeshi players belonged to fellow batter Mominul Haque, who had played 78 Tests before making his first Test appearance in Australia. Mominul now moves to second place on the list, while Mushfiqur’s 103-match experience puts him well ahead of the previous mark. The Bangladesh veteran’s achievement also eclipsed a record previously held by former Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu. Atapattu played his first Test in Australia in 2004 after appearing in 73 Tests, making him the most experienced player to make a first Test appearance in the country at the time. Mushfiqur’s milestone therefore represents another significant chapter in a career that has made him one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished Test cricketers. However, the Bangladesh star’s achievement in Australia is not the biggest record of its kind in Test cricket. That global record belongs to England fast-bowling great James Anderson, who had played an extraordinary 175 Tests before making his first Test appearance in Pakistan. Mushfiqur’s milestone nevertheless stands out as a remarkable testament to his consistency and longevity. At 103 Tests, he arrived in Australia not as a newcomer to Test cricket, but as one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players — making his first Test in the country a historic occasion before the match had even begun.

  • | |

    US and UK plan high level meeting in London on Str…

    The United States and the United Kingdom are reportedly planning a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios cited by Al Jazeera. The meeting is expected to include talks on the possible establishment of a coalition naval force to protect ships in the strategic waterway, diplomatic sources told the website. High-level European, American, and Arab officials, including defence ministers and military commanders, may participate in the meeting, which comes amid a spate of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the renewed conflict between the US and Iran. The strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies pass, has been a flashpoint in the escalating tensions, with Iran launching attacks on commercial shipping and the US conducting strikes to keep the waterway open. The proposed coalition naval force would aim to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the region, which has been disrupted by attacks on tankers and other vessels. The US has already enforced a naval blockade in the strait, while Iran has targeted ships that violated its rules on navigating the waterway. The situation has raised concerns about global energy supplies and the potential for a wider conflict. The meeting in London reflects the growing international concern over the instability in the region and the need for a coordinated response. The UK, a key US ally, has been actively involved in efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect shipping lanes. The potential involvement of Arab officials highlights the regional dimensions of the crisis, with Gulf states directly affected by the disruptions. The establishment of a coalition naval force would be a significant step in ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Gulf region. However, the success of such an initiative would depend on the cooperation of all parties involved, including Iran, which has insisted on maintaining control over the strait. The meeting in London is expected to explore options for addressing the crisis, including diplomatic and military measures. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution to the conflict. The meeting in London represents a crucial opportunity for key stakeholders to coordinate their efforts and develop a strategy to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The outcome of the discussions could have significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability. The world will be watching closely as the high-level meeting approaches, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough that can de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the region. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the international community can unite to address the challenges posed by the conflict and protect the vital shipping lanes that are essential to global trade and energy security.

  • |

    Trump’s generic drug tariff plan puts US-India pharma ties to test

    A newly announced tariff schedule introduced by President Donald Trump targeting generic pharmaceutical imports is expected to significantly affect the deep trade relationship between the United States and India, which serves as the principal supplier of generic medicines to the American market. Indian drug manufacturers currently supply roughly half of all generic pharmaceuticals consumed in the United States, with the American market generating close to a third of India’s overall pharmaceutical export earnings. The scale of this commercial exposure means the newly outlined tariff timeline, despite featuring a two-year grace period, has immediately drawn close scrutiny from Indian pharmaceutical firms and market analysts due to the critical role US sales play in corporate revenues. The policy introduces additional uncertainty to a bilateral trade dynamic already strained by recent tariff disputes, raising the stakes for Indian manufacturers as they decide whether to commit capital toward expanding domestic manufacturing inside the United States or absorb steep import duties in the future. Trump outlined a phased tariff framework for generic medications entering the United States. Under this timeline, generic drug imports will continue to enter duty-free under a zero per cent tariff until August 1, 2028, marking a two-year transition window from the policy’s effective date. Following this grace period, a 100 per cent tariff will apply for one year, after which the import levy will rise to 200 per cent. Trump framed the escalated duties as a penal mechanism designed to compel foreign pharmaceutical companies to construct manufacturing facilities on American soil within the allotted timeframe, rather than remaining reliant on overseas production plants. He explicitly distinguished this new generic drug framework from the administration’s policy on branded and patented pharmaceuticals, stating that existing regulations for branded drugs would remain unchanged due to their ongoing success. Reports citing White House details indicate that the new generic tariffs will be executed under Section 232 trade authority, matching the legal foundation used for the administration’s earlier tariffs placed on branded pharmaceuticals in April. Trump also highlighted what he described as an unprecedented surge in new domestic pharmaceutical plant construction currently underway across the United States, presenting the new tariff schedule as a measure to reinforce an existing shift toward onshore manufacturing. The policy holds major implications for the broader American healthcare system and global exporters because generic medications account for nearly 90 per cent of all prescriptions filled in the United States. This action follows previous interventions in the pharmaceutical sector, including the 100 per cent tariff placed on branded drugs starting in October 2025, alongside a most-favoured-nation pricing push. That pricing policy led more than a dozen major pharmaceutical corporations, including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, to conclude agreements to reduce US drug prices in exchange for multi-year exemptions from import duties. For Indian drugmakers, the two-year transition window provides initial breathing room but lacks long-term security. Indian generic manufacturers now face the choice of allocating capital to construct or expand production facilities within the United States before the 2028 deadline, or facing severe cost disadvantages once the punitive tariffs take effect. Industry analysts expect to monitor whether major Indian drug companies will announce accelerated manufacturing investments in the United States over the coming months as the sector formulates its response.

  • | | |

    9 cancer medicines declared fake and illegal after…

    A major health alert has emerged in Karachi after the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory declared nine medicines used for cancer treatment as substandard, fake, and unregistered. Authorities have started action against the responsible parties following the laboratory findings. Director Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory Syed Adnan Rizvi said that the investigation was launched after receiving laboratory reports, and relevant institutions have begun taking action based on the results. According to Rizvi, some of the cancer medicines tested did not contain the required active ingredients needed for treatment, while others did not have a valid registration number from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). He warned that the availability of counterfeit and low-quality cancer medicines poses a serious threat to patients because ineffective treatment can allow the disease to progress and reduce the chances of recovery. The official also raised concerns about prescription practices, stating that some oncologists mention the names of specific pharmacies on prescriptions, which may force patients to purchase medicines only from those outlets. He emphasized the need for transparency and strict monitoring throughout the medicine supply chain. Cancer medicines are highly sensitive and require accurate composition and quality standards because patients depend on them for life-saving treatment. Experts have repeatedly stressed that fake or substandard drugs can cause severe health consequences, especially for people undergoing critical therapies. The Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory findings have increased concerns about medicine regulation and quality control in the healthcare sector. Authorities are expected to investigate the source of the suspected medicines, identify those involved in their distribution, and take legal action where necessary. The incident highlights the importance of purchasing medicines only from authorized pharmacies and ensuring that drugs carry proper registration details and quality certifications. Health officials have urged patients and healthcare providers to remain cautious and report any suspicious medicines to relevant authorities. Drug safety remains a major challenge in many healthcare systems, and officials say stronger monitoring, improved enforcement, and public awareness are essential to prevent the circulation of counterfeit medicines. Further details about the investigation and action against those responsible are expected as authorities continue their review of the case.

  • |

    Thitikul leads Women’s open as Ryu and Kuwak…

    World number two Jeeno Thitikul leads the first round of the AIG Women’s Open by two shots after a spectacular seven-under-par 64 at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s. The 23-year-old Thai, who has 11 top-10 finishes in majors but is yet to win one, went bogey-free in a fine start to her latest attempt. Thitikul sank seven birdies in a faultless round, including three straight birdies on the front nine and difficult par saves. “Winning one [major] doesn’t mean I am going to have a really good, successful career,” Thitikul said. “Winning one doesn’t mean much, I would rather be a consistent player, more than just winning one and then gone. Sometimes I had a hard time dealing with all the noise.” South Korea’s Haeran Ryu, aiming to become only the fifth woman in history to claim three majors in a calendar year, is tied for second alongside Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki on five under. Ryu, 25, claimed her second major in the space of two weeks at the Evian Championship earlier this month. That form continued as four birdies on the front nine quickly took her to the top of the leaderboard. Despite a bogey on the 15th, Ryu finished with two birdies in the last three holes. England’s Lottie Woad and Charley Hull are both on two under, while compatriot Alice Hewson led the tournament in the morning and finished one under. Hull, the most recent British female player to win a major, is back playing after giving birth five months ago and endured a tough opening round to end the day five over. “I missed quite a few putts today that I felt I should have holed, but I felt like I stayed in there pretty well considering how nervous I was, because I feel there was a lot of pressure on me out there,” she said. Last year’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita shot one-over-par, while three-time major winner Lydia Ko is even par. World number one Nelly Korda, who started the year with two major titles and won the US Open in June, struggled in her quest for a career Grand Slam, finishing two over par. Korda got off to a slow start with bogeys on the second and third holes but recovered those shots to reach the back nine at even par before slipping back.

  • | |

    Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz reportedly embra…

    Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz are reportedly redefining how they celebrate their marriage by marking the anniversary of their 2025 vow renewal instead of the date of their lavish 2022 wedding. According to new reports, the couple no longer looks back fondly on their original Palm Beach wedding and have decided to make their private vow renewal the milestone they celebrate each year. The reported shift has sparked fresh speculation about the reasons behind the change, especially amid ongoing rumors of family tensions involving the Beckham family. (hellomagazine.com⁠ and people.com⁠) Sources claim that Brooklyn, 27, and Nicola, 31, see their 2025 vow renewal as a more meaningful reflection of their relationship. Unlike their star-studded wedding, which attracted global media attention, the renewal ceremony was reportedly a quiet and deeply personal occasion attended by only a small group of loved ones. An insider told The Sun that the couple now considers the vow renewal to be the true celebration of their marriage. According to the source, the original wedding has become associated with difficult memories, while the intimate ceremony allowed them to focus solely on each other and their commitment. (thesun.co.uk⁠) Brooklyn and Nicola tied the knot in April 2022 at the Peltz family estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The lavish event made headlines around the world but was later overshadowed by reports of disagreements within the Beckham family, particularly involving Brooklyn’s mother, Victoria Beckham. Although members of the family have repeatedly dismissed claims of a lasting feud, speculation has continued to follow the couple over the years. (people.com⁠) Neither Brooklyn nor Nicola has publicly commented on the latest reports about their anniversary tradition. However, the pair have consistently shared affectionate tributes to one another on social media, often describing each other as best friends and expressing gratitude for their marriage. The reported decision reflects a growing trend among some couples who choose to celebrate meaningful milestones beyond their wedding day. For Brooklyn and Nicola, the vow renewal is said to represent a fresh chapter in their relationship, free from outside pressures and public scrutiny. Despite ongoing rumors surrounding family dynamics, those close to the couple say they remain focused on building their future together. Brooklyn has frequently spoken about his admiration for Nicola, while she has publicly supported his personal and professional endeavors. As neither the Beckham nor Peltz families have addressed the latest claims, the reports remain unconfirmed. Still, the story has generated significant interest among fans, many of whom have praised the idea of celebrating the moment that feels most meaningful rather than simply following tradition. Whether or not the reports prove accurate, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz continue to show that they are determined to define their marriage on their own terms. If the vow renewal has indeed become their new anniversary tradition, it marks another example of the couple choosing personal meaning over public expectation as they continue their journey together.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *