Unlicensed ‘doctors’—numbering over 600,000—dominate rural and low-income areas, peddling treatments with reused needles and unsterilized tools. This fuels not just 9.8-10 million HCV infections but also 4-5 million HBV cases, affecting up to 15 million people total. Awareness hovers at a dismal 25-30%.

The Express Tribune’s editorial paints a grim picture: hospitals meant for healing are infection hotspots. Patients risk contracting viruses during routine procedures like injections or blood work.

The virus’s stealthy nature means liver cirrhosis or cancer strikes without warning, years after exposure. Limited access to diagnostics compounds the tragedy, leaving millions undiagnosed.

Despite a 2025 elimination pledge under the 2030 global framework, progress stalls amid half-hearted efforts. The Taunsa scandal underscores the peril: BBC investigators infiltrated a Punjab government hospital’s pediatric unit, uncovering chaos.

Trained staff were absent; injections given haphazardly, syringes recycled, waste mishandled. Result? 331 child HIV cases from Nov 2024-Oct 2025, implicating the facility as the source since parental infections were rare.

This isn’t isolated—it’s systemic. Pakistan must enforce strict regulations, train personnel, and expand free testing to stem the tide. Failure risks generational health devastation.