From Clinical Care to Population Health
Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhter’s public-health work has developed alongside his clinical and institution-building career, with a particular focus on hepatitis prevention, early detection, access to treatment and stronger healthcare systems. His involvement began with hepatitis-control initiatives at PKLI and has since expanded into national-level efforts toward Hepatitis C elimination.
Early Hepatitis Prevention Work at PKLI
Dr. Akhter’s involvement in hepatitis prevention at PKLI dates to the institution’s early public-health work. In 2016, he participated in the development of the Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Program, which addressed screening, surveillance, infection control, blood safety, Hepatitis B vaccination, treatment and public education. The initiative reflected an emphasis on prevention alongside specialized clinical care.
The hepatitis programme later developed into a wider model of prevention, screening and access to care through PKLI’s Filter Clinics. The model brought disease prevention and early detection closer to communities while connecting patients requiring specialized treatment with appropriate services.
At the PKLI International Scientific Symposium 2026, Dr. Akhter and the Filter Clinic team presented “PKLI’s Model of Care / Role of Filter Clinics in Hepatitis Elimination,” linking the program to broader discussions around primary healthcare and universal health coverage.
National Hepatitis C Elimination
Dr. Akhter’s public-health work has increasingly extended into national disease-elimination efforts. He serves as a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force for Hepatitis C Elimination. The national programme includes free screening, testing and treatment for eligible populations, together with prevention education for communities, healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
In July 2026, Pakistan’s Federal Health Ministry stated that a comprehensive national programme for Hepatitis C elimination had been developed under the Prime Minister’s leadership with guidance from Prof. Saeed Akhtar, using a phased national approach to screening and treatment
From Disease Control to Health-System Strengthening
The work extends beyond individual treatment to the systems required for disease elimination: prevention, testing, laboratory capacity, treatment access, data, primary healthcare and national coordination. Dr. Akhter’s involvement in hepatitis strategy and research reflects a broader focus on developing sustainable healthcare systems capable of identifying disease earlier and connecting patients with effective care.
Selected Hepatitis Talks & Media
Hepatitis C in Pakistan & AI in Healthcare
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY - Join Us in Eradicating Hepatitis from Pakistan - Prof Saeed Akhtar | PKLI&RC
National campaign against Hepatitis C | Exclusive Talk with PKLI Head Dr Saeed | AQSLive
Hepatitis-C Pakistan can be easily controlled, Dr Saeed Akhtar
For professional, academic, speaking and media inquiries.