Experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have stated that early screening is essential to prevent deaths from hepatitis, according to ET HealthWorld. The call comes as India’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme has screened over 21 crore people and treated 6 lakh patients, the health secretary reported.
The AIIMS experts emphasized that detecting hepatitis early allows for timely treatment, which can significantly reduce mortality, ET HealthWorld reported. The disease often progresses without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making routine screening a critical tool.
India’s nationwide screening effort is part of a broader strategy to combat hepatitis, as outlined by the government’s Press Information Bureau. The health secretary’s update on the programme’s scale was also covered by ET HealthWorld, noting the 21 crore screenings and 6 lakh treatments.
World Hepatitis Day, observed recently, saw landmarks like Ripon Buildings in Kolkata illuminated in green to raise awareness, The Hindu reported. The AIIMS recommendation aligns with global calls to prioritize early detection as a cost-effective way to curb hepatitis-related deaths.
The experts’ advice underscores the need for continued public health messaging and accessible testing services. Next, attention will likely focus on expanding screening coverage to reach more undiagnosed cases.
