Health Ministry Observes World Hepatitis Day 2026, Over 21 Crore People Screened - Video

More than 21 crore people have been screened and over 6 lakh patients have received free treatment under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) since its launch eight years ago, Union Health Secretary Punya Srivastava said on World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year. He noted that the programme has exceeded its target of setting up one treatment centre in every district, with 1,153 treatment centres now operational nationwide, including over 70 specialised centres providing advanced care for viral hepatitis patients.

Srivastava also highlighted that more than 7.64 crore pregnant women have been screened under the programme, while 2.24 lakh newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers have received Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) through coordinated efforts with the National AIDS Control Programme and Universal Immunization Programme. Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine has achieved over 92% coverage since its inclusion in the Universal Immunization Programme in 2011. However, she stressed that only about 65% of pregnant women are currently screened and urged states to achieve 100% screening to ensure timely vaccination and HBIG administration within 24 hours of birth, according to an Economic Times report.