World Hepatitis Day: Standards of hepatitis C care in India

Hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality caused due to liver disease.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: July 28, 2017 12:24 pm

July 28th is World Hepatitis Day. The theme for this year is ‘Eliminate Hepatitis’. Liver disease is one of the leading cause of morbidity but to treat the condition, early diagnosis and medical intervention is the key. Dr V Sam Prasad, Country Programme Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation sheds light on the standards of hepatitis C care in India and what can be done to improve the condition and spread awareness about the disease. Also Read - Meet the 3 scientists who jointly won Nobel Prize in medicine for Hepatitis C virus discovery

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Once diagnosed, the standard treatment option is to give medications to treat the viral infection and keep the liver healthy. Currently, the drug used to treat hepatitis C is called Sofosbuvir, an antiviral drug which inhibits the functioning of an enzyme present in the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Available in the form of tablets, the drug has been recently approved for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. In addition to Sofosbuvir, which is undoubtedly the backbone of the hepatitis C treatment regimen, DAAs (direct-acting antivirals) are also used which greatly improves the management of people infected with HCV. However, education and awareness on the use of these antiviral drugs are very minimal. (Read: Hepatitis C infection most common in north India)

Dr V Sam Prasad says, ‘There are very few specialised doctors and centres in India that actually do the right treatment. In others, there is either over prescription of the drugs or under prescription, both of which affects the overall health of the patients and the recovery. However, in recent times, the standards of the treatment are evolving. But we need specialised agencies to take it forward to cover the epidemic in India.’

Moreover, there have been reports that the use of injecting drugs is on the rise. Although the cases of HIV infection is coming down, IDU use has increased especially in the states of Punjab and Bihar, which can put you at risk of hepatitis. Hence, general awareness should be spread among people about injecting drugs. The screening of blood from blood bank should be made mandatory and done under strict surveillance. It is also important to ensure that these tests, screening and treatment reach far corners of the country. It is also mandatory to verify the authenticity and norms that are followed to treat hepatitis C. (Read: Who should get vaccinated?)

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Published : July 28, 2017 12:24 pm

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