Lifestyle
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India's hepatitis programme expands free screening access
PIB India··29 Jul
India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, running since 2018, provides free screening and treatment for hepatitis B and C nationwide. Government surveillance data from 2021 found roughly one in 118 people tested positive for hepatitis B and one in 345 for hepatitis C. Services now link with immunisation, HIV and tuberculosis programmes, alongside a toll free helpline, 1800-11-6666.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Free hepatitis B and C screening and treatment are available at government health centres for anyone who wants to check their status.
- Newborns and pregnant women are covered under existing immunisation and maternal health programmes, cutting the risk of mother to child transmission.
- People with higher exposure risk, such as healthcare workers, can access dedicated screening and vaccination through the National AIDS Control Programme.
What's Happening
- India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme has run since 2018, offering free screening, diagnostics and drugs for hepatitis B and C nationwide.
- 2021 government surveillance data found roughly one in 118 people tested positive for hepatitis B and one in 345 for hepatitis C.
- Services are moving from district hospitals to local health centres, alongside a toll free helpline for information at 1800-11-6666.
Five Viruses, One Coordinated Response
- Hepatitis A and E spread mainly through contaminated food or water and are usually self limiting without specific antiviral treatment.
- Hepatitis B spreads mainly from mother to child at birth or through blood, while its vaccine also protects against related hepatitis D infection.
- Hepatitis C spreads through unsafe injections and blood contact, but modern antiviral drugs now cure nearly all patients within 12 to 24 weeks.
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