New Delhi: India has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, scaling up prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services across the country under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Launched in 2018, the flagship programme has evolved into a nationwide public health initiative aimed at reducing the burden of chronic liver diseases by integrating hepatitis care with existing healthcare services. The strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global hepatitis elimination targets for 2030.
Integrated Strategy to Expand Healthcare Access
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has adopted a comprehensive health systems approach, bringing hepatitis prevention and treatment under various national health programmes. The initiative combines awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, free laboratory testing, and access to treatment, particularly for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, which account for the majority of chronic liver disease cases in India.
India’s Fight to Combat #Hepatitis
▪️India is dismantling healthcare barriers to meet its 2030 Hepatitis elimination goal
▪️The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme integrates with national schemes to prevent infection and deliver free drugs and diagnostics
▪️It has… pic.twitter.com/x5NP6RpUqG
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 27, 2026
Health officials say decentralising services from district hospitals to community and primary health centres has significantly improved access to testing and treatment, especially in underserved regions. Affordable generic medicines, better utilisation of local health funds and integration with existing healthcare infrastructure have further strengthened service delivery.
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins or autoimmune disorders. Five major hepatitis viruses—A, B, C, D and E—are known to infect humans.
Among them, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C pose the greatest long-term public health challenge as they can remain undetected for years before progressing to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Since the disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages, health experts stress that timely screening and diagnosis are critical to reducing mortality.
Free Testing and Treatment
Under the NVHCP, the government provides free screening, diagnostics and medicines for Hepatitis B and C through public healthcare facilities.
The programme focuses on three key pillars:
- Creating public awareness about hepatitis prevention.
- Expanding early detection through free testing.
- Ensuring uninterrupted treatment and follow-up care for infected patients.
The initiative also promotes safe injection practices, blood safety measures, infection control and vaccination to curb transmission.
2030 Elimination Goal
India’s efforts mirror the WHO’s global strategy to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and hepatitis-related deaths by 65% by 2030. According to WHO, achieving these targets will require wider vaccination coverage, universal access to testing, affordable treatment and stronger public awareness.
Health authorities believe India’s integrated healthcare model, coupled with expanding primary healthcare services, will play a crucial role in reaching the country’s elimination target.
Experts Stress Early Detection
Medical experts continue to warn that millions of people may unknowingly be living with chronic Hepatitis B or C because the infection often remains silent for years. They advise routine testing, vaccination for eligible individuals, and timely treatment to prevent serious liver complications.
With healthcare services now reaching deeper into rural and remote areas, the government expects wider screening coverage and earlier diagnosis, reinforcing India’s roadmap towards making hepatitis no longer a major public health threat by the end of the decade.
