THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b): jaundice is most commonly caused by Viral Hepatitis
arising out of infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G
viruses. The data on Viral Hepatitis is as under:-
Year Cases Deaths
1998 1,13,257 1055
1999 1,30,153 1313
2000 1,52,713 1035
2001 1,21,618 880
(c)&(d): Three studies have been conducted by All India
Institute of Medical Sciences with the assistance of Indian
Council of Medical Research. The studies provided valuable
data on the antigens and viral markers in viral Hepatitis
and also gave information on seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A
virus in school children.
(e): The following steps have been taken by the Government:
O National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Delhi provides technical support for investigations on Jaundice/Viral Hepatitis.
O National Surveillance Programme for Communicable Diseases has been initiated in 101 districts, which also covers Viral Hepatitis.
O Mandatory screening of blood is done at blood banks for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
O Health education activities to promote safe sex behaviour under the National AIDS Control Programme.
O Instructions issued to the health authorities for use of a separate sterile syringe and needle for each injection.
O Central Government hospitals personnel at high risk to be immunized. State Governments have been advised to take similar steps.
