(a) whether the Government has taken any measures for ensuring protection from fatal disease like Hepatitis B;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any treatment is available for a person infected with the said fatal disease; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (d): National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) was launched in 2018. In order to prevent Hepatitis B, screening is done during Ante-Natal Care (ANC) of pregnant women for Hepatitis B as well. It is a vaccine preventable disease and the program, in coordination with immunization division, is ensuring Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine and Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin to babies born to Hepatitis B positive mothers. Hepatitis B vaccine is also part of Universal Immunization Programme. The program envisages prevention through awareness generation, and management of viral hepatitis ‘B’ by providing free diagnosis and drugs across the board. Treatment of Hepatitis-B is available free of cost. States/UTs are provided support under NHM based on the proposals received from them for treatment of Hepatitis B for those who require the same.