Nationwide directive aims to strengthen infection control in hospitals, says health ministry
Pakistan has made HIV testing mandatory for patients undergoing surgeries across all public and private healthcare facilities, according to an official notification issued on Tuesday.
On the directives of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Ministry of National Health Services has issued urgent instructions aimed at strengthening preventive measures against HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.
The ministry directed all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure immediate enforcement of screening protocols in hospitals and healthcare centres.
It also issued instructions to federally administered hospitals, district health officers, and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority to implement the measures without delay.
According to a ministry spokesperson, all public and private hospitals have been instructed to conduct mandatory screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C before every medical and surgical procedure.
Routine screening of patients visiting healthcare facilities has also been made compulsory under the new directives.
The spokesperson said patients who test positive will be provided counselling, medical guidance, and treatment support.
Health authorities said the step is aimed at improving infection control standards in hospitals and reducing the risk of transmission during medical procedures.
The ministry also urged healthcare workers to strictly follow sterilisation protocols and adopt internationally recognised safety standards in all procedures.