India Intensifies Fight Against Hepatitis Ahead of 2030 Target
Government expands free screening, treatment and vaccination under National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme
- India is strengthening efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
- Free screening, diagnostics and treatment are available under NVHCP.
- Hepatitis B vaccination and integrated healthcare approach remain key strategies.
- Services are being expanded from district hospitals to local health centres.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th July: India is accelerating its efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), with the government expanding free screening, diagnosis and treatment services across the country.
Launched in 2018, the NVHCP adopts an integrated health systems approach by linking hepatitis prevention and treatment with several national health programmes. The initiative provides free medicines and diagnostic services for patients with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, while strengthening awareness, surveillance and early detection.
According to the government, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, alcohol, drugs or autoimmune diseases. Among the five major hepatitis viruses—A, B, C, D and E—Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The programme addresses all five forms of viral hepatitis. While Hepatitis A and E are monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Hepatitis B and C patients receive free diagnostic tests and treatment under the NVHCP. The programme also uses a paperless Management Information System (MIS) portal for patient management and monitoring.
The government said prevention remains a key pillar of the strategy. Hepatitis B vaccination is being provided under the Universal Immunisation Programme, including a birth dose within 24 hours of delivery, followed by routine doses during infancy. Screening of pregnant women, high-risk groups and blood donors is also being carried out through convergence with programmes such as the National AIDS Control Programme, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and reproductive and maternal health initiatives.
As per the 2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance, around 0.85 per cent of those surveyed tested positive for Hepatitis B, while 0.29 per cent tested positive for Hepatitis C, indicating the continued need for early detection and treatment.
The Ministry said services are being decentralised from district hospitals to local health facilities to improve accessibility. The programme also operates a toll-free helpline (1800-11-6666) to provide information on hepatitis prevention, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and service delivery centres.
The government said the expanded coverage, availability of affordable generic medicines and integration with existing healthcare programmes are strengthening India’s efforts to achieve the 2030 target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health challenge.
