Pakistan has used only around 100,000 out of nearly three million diagnostic tests procured for its Hepatitis C elimination program, raising concerns over the slow pace of implementation.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the issue during a meeting with a representative of Abbott’s Pharmaceuticals Division in New York, where he is attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Finance Division, Aurangzeb said the program has been held back by changes in leadership, weak project management and insufficient public awareness.

He stressed the need to resolve these implementation issues to speed up the country’s Hepatitis C elimination efforts.

The meeting also covered Abbott’s technical support for the program, including the company’s experience with Egypt’s large-scale Hepatitis C screening initiative.

Aurangzeb and the Abbott representative also discussed strengthening the regulatory capacity of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and expanding Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports.

The talks further covered Abbott’s plans for oncology treatments and pending hardship cases related to medicine pricing.

The Finance Minister said medicine prices need to remain affordable while ensuring that pharmaceutical companies can operate commercially and maintain a consistent supply.

Aurangzeb said he would take up the implementation issues with the relevant authorities in Pakistan to accelerate progress on the Hepatitis C elimination program.