India’s campaign against hepatitis intensifies: Free testing and medicines available across the country

New Delhi, 27 July. The Government of India has intensified its campaign to achieve the target of eliminating hepatitis by the year 2030. The government is expanding free testing, medicines and treatment facilities under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) so that health services can reach more people.

The government said on Monday that the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, launched in 2018, has been linked to several other national health programmes. Its objective is to prevent infection, timely testing and providing free treatment to needy patients.

Under this programme, special attention is being given to prevention, awareness, screening and treatment of Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The paperless NVHCP-MIS portal is also being used for monitoring and treatment of patients.

According to the government, cases of hepatitis A and E usually emerge suddenly and are monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). People infected with Hepatitis B and C are being provided free tests and medicines.

According to 2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance data, 0.85 percent of the people tested were found infected with hepatitis B and 0.29 percent with hepatitis C. That means approximately one person in 118 was found infected with Hepatitis B and one person in 345 was found infected with Hepatitis C.

Universal screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B is also being done. Also, under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), all newborns are being vaccinated against hepatitis B within 24 hours of birth. If the mother is infected, the newborn is also given hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG).

The government informed that for information and assistance related to hepatitis, a toll-free helpline 1800-11-6666 is also available, where information about infection, prevention, treatment and health services available across the country is given.