Care Health Insurance Urges Early Hepatitis Screening to Prevent Serious Liver Diseases

Care Health Insurance has issued a comprehensive public advisory ahead of World Hepatitis Day, urging individuals to prioritize early hepatitis screening, complete vaccination schedules, and timely medical intervention. Often referred to as a ‘silent disease’, viral hepatitis can progress for years without symptoms, frequently remaining undetected until irreversible liver damage such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer occurs.

India’s Rising Disease Burden and Financial Impact:
According to national health assessments and Care Health Insurance’s internal claims observations, India accounts for an estimated 3.5 crore people living with chronic viral hepatitis, encompassing roughly 2.9 crore with hepatitis B and 0.55 crore with hepatitis C. The infection claims approximately 1.23 lakh lives annually in India, placing the nation among those with the highest global disease burdens. While basic screening is available under the Government’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), advanced treatments are notably expensive; a private hospital liver transplant typically ranges from INR 18 to 35 lakh, excluding lifelong post-operative medications. Furthermore, the insurer notes that liver disease claims have doubled over the past three years alongside a 100% surge in treatment costs, with steady annual increases across younger demographics, Tier II and Tier III cities, and women.

Recommended Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care:
To combat the rising burden of liver disease and support India’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, Care Health Insurance outlines critical preventive protocols. Individuals are advised to undergo baseline testing for hepatitis B and C, complete all necessary vaccinations including the vital birth dose for newborns within 24 hours and exercise strict caution during medical procedures, dental work, and personal grooming to avoid sharing razors or needles. Maintaining food and water hygiene during monsoons, adopting a balanced lifestyle, managing metabolic conditions like diabetes or obesity, and regularly reviewing health insurance policies ensure robust protection against the escalating costs of critical liver care.