Nation Action Plan for Hepatitis C to be ready by Dec 2017 : Nadda

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister of Health and Family WelfareJ P Nadda while addressing the 4th National Technical Consultation on Viral Hepatitis on the occasion of ‘World Hepatitis Day’ on July 28, 2017, said the government is committed to ensure there is no discrimination on the basis of a patient suffering from Hepatitis.

The theme of the workshop was ‘Framework of National Program on Viral Hepatitis in India.’ The Health Minister stated that the government is working on the National Action Plan for Hepatitis C which shall be completed by December, 2017, and will be rolled out next year. The entire funding for this shall be provided by the Government of India, Nadda said.

Nadda assured the participants that the recommendations of the consultation process will be implemented. He emphasised on the need for prevention of Hepatitis infection and highlighted the increase in immunisation coverage that is aimed to increase to 90% by 2018. The Health Minister informed that the government is planning to bring out notification for screening Hepatitis C and is planning to implement it up to the district level. Nadda stressed on the importance of prevention, screening and surveillance, according to a PIB release.

C K Mishra, Secretary (H&FW), raised the issue of importance of vaccination for Hepatitis B at birth. He highlighted the gains through Mission Indradhanush in coverage of unreached population. “As cost of treatment has relatively come down, it has been possible to treat more people,” Mishra stated.