Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has made HIV and Hepatitis B and C screening mandatory before all surgical and invasive medical procedures across the country.
According to an official notification, the directive aims to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and help reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis infections nationwide.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal took notice of the rising number of cases and emphasized the need for strict compliance with safety protocols in both public and private healthcare facilities.
Under the new policy, all hospitals and medical centers are required to conduct HIV 1 and 2 antibody tests, Hepatitis B screening through HBsAg, and Hepatitis C screening through Anti-HCV before performing any surgical or invasive procedure.
The rule applies to both major and minor surgeries, as well as any medical intervention involving the insertion of instruments into the human body.
Provincial governments, along with authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, have been directed to ensure immediate implementation of these screening requirements.
Healthcare providers will also be responsible for offering counseling and guidance to patients who test positive for HIV or hepatitis.
The ministry has issued urgent instructions to provincial chief secretaries, federally administered hospitals, district health offices, and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority to ensure nationwide compliance.
