Pakistan Muslim League (N) on Thursday revealed that almost 20 million people were suffering from Hepatitis B and C in the country and the deadly disease could hit half of the population if timely precautionary measures were not taken.
Addressing a press conference, Mohammad Siddique-ul-Farooq, central leader, PML-N, said that the epidemic is spreading among the masses at an alarming pace and urged the government to allocate at least two percent of the budget to control the disease terming it more dangerous than HIV Aids and Polio.
He also proposed to constitute a parliamentary committee comprising members from all the political parties to evolve an effective strategy to check the menace on urgent basis.
The PML-N leader pointed out that over 70 to 80 percent Hepatitis B and C patients were poor and could not afford costly treatment.
Farooq was of the view that Hepatitis virus in Pakistan is Geno Type-3, which could be controlled if the patient is treated timely.
Besides, he said, vaccines for the disease had been discovered and it could be more effective if a drive against the Hepatitis was launched across the country like Aids and Polio. He emphasised on the need for developing co-ordination with the international donor agencies, philanthropists, NGOs and private sector to help fight the menace.
It is also a moral responsibility of doctors to reduce their charges in an effort to eradicate the disease from the country, he added.
He was of the view that the total cost of Hepatitis B and C treatment could be reduced to Rs 25,000 from almost Rs 80,000 if the multinational pharmaceutical companies curtail their profits. He alleged the high ups in the Health Ministry for bargaining with these pharmaceutical companies at the cost of poor masses. The PML leader, however, underscored that at present, the government is helping such patients through Pakistan Baitul Maal.
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