Islamabad, April 23: A troubling increase in hepatitis cases is being reported in Pakistan, attributed to negligence and an unregulated healthcare system. According to a recent report, the country has the highest number of hepatitis C (HCV) patients globally. This alarming situation is primarily due to the large number of unlicensed practitioners and unsafe medical practices.
The report indicates that over 600,000 unlicensed doctors are operating in Pakistan, prioritizing profit over patient safety. Approximately 9.8 to 10 million cases of hepatitis C have been reported. When including hepatitis B (HBV), the total number of infected individuals rises to between 13.8 and 15 million, with only 25-30 percent aware of their condition.
An editorial published in Pakistan’s leading newspaper, The Express Tribune, highlights that the healthcare system has deteriorated to the point where seeking treatment can pose a risk to patients. Individuals seeking affordable medical care often return home with dangerous infections.
The report reveals that the reuse of syringes, unsafe blood transfusions, and inadequate sterilization of medical equipment are common practices, contributing to the rapid spread of infections. Hepatitis C directly affects the liver, with symptoms often appearing years later, by which time significant damage may have occurred.
Moreover, access to basic health services remains a challenge for the general population, making regular check-ups and screenings difficult.
In 2025, the Pakistani government set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C by 2050. However, the report claims that while the government identifies issues, it often fails to address them effectively.
In this context, a serious case of negligence has emerged from a government hospital in Taunsa, Punjab, where a secret investigation by BBC Eye Investigations revealed repeated violations of basic infection control protocols.
The investigation found that nurses were administering injections over clothing, dirty syringes were being reused, and untrained staff were using contaminated medications to inject children. Additionally, serious flaws such as improper handling of medical waste and leaving equipment exposed were observed.
According to the BBC, between November 2024 and October 2025, at least 331 children in Taunsa were found to be HIV positive. The investigation also revealed a low infection rate among their parents, raising concerns about the potential for hospital-acquired infections.
The report warns that without prompt and stringent measures, this health crisis could escalate into a more severe situation.
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