India is systematically strengthening its efforts to combat hepatitis, with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030. The programme has adopted a health systems approach and has been integrated with various national health initiatives to prevent infections and provide free diagnostics and treatment to affected people.

 

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses, other infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, or autoimmune diseases. The five main hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D and E, with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Government launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in 2018 to provide screening and treatment services in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Under the programme, preventive, promotive and curative interventions focus on creating awareness, improving access to healthcare, and ensuring diagnosis and treatment for all those in need. Free diagnostics and medicines are being provided for Hepatitis B and C.

 

The government has integrated hepatitis prevention and control with several national health programmes. It has offered free screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C nationwide. Smart use of local funding, cheaper generic drugs, and existing health programmes has helped expand this care further. Services are now moving from district hospitals down to local health centres, bringing testing and treatment closer to everyone. This reflects the government’s commitment for inclusive growth and reaching every citizen and achieving its 2030 goal of combating hepatitis.