(a) whether the Government propose to include Hepatitis `B` in their immunisation programme;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether some underdeveloped countries have included Hepatitis-B in their immunisation programme;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether Government have made screening of hepatitis `C` in the blood banks; and
(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith instruction so issued in this reagard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have drawn up a Pilot Project for introduction of Hepatitis-B Vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme. This project is proposed to be conducted in slums of metropolitan cities and selected rural districts of the country.
(c) & (d) As per World Health Organization, more than 100 countries including neighboring countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, have included Hepatitis-B Vaccine in their National Immunization Programme. Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh are considering introduction of the vaccine in their programme.
(e) & (f) Yes, Sir. The Government have made screening of Hepatitis `C` in the blood banks mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. Notification to this effect, bearing NO.GSR 40 (E), has been issued on 29th January 2001.