The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program will provide laboratory testing and management of viral hepatitis with a decentralized approach, says union health minister J.P. Nadda. Photo: ReutersNew Delhi: Considering the disease burden of viral hepatitis, government will now offer free drugs and diagnosis for Hepatitis B and C. The arrangement has been made under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program launched on Saturday. The union health ministry has launched the “National Viral Hepatitis Control Program”, with the goal of ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The aim of the initiative is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), in South-East Asia, 100 million people are currently estimated to be living with Hepatitis B, and 30 million with Hepatitis C.In India, viral hepatitis is considered a major public health problem.

Source: Mint July 29, 2018 06:56 UTC