Private Member Introduces Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Bill
- ByAdmin --
- 27 May 2025 --
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In a significant move to address public health concerns, a Private Member of Parliament recently introduced the Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Bill in the Indian Parliament. This bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework to prevent, diagnose, and control viral hepatitis—a major health challenge in India affecting millions.
Background: The Challenge of Viral Hepatitis in India
Viral hepatitis, caused primarily by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, remains a critical public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that India accounts for a substantial portion of the global hepatitis burden, particularly hepatitis B and C infections, which can lead to chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Despite national programs addressing communicable diseases, hepatitis continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, necessitating a targeted legal framework to strengthen prevention and control efforts.
Key Objectives of the Bill
The Bill’s primary goals include:
- Prevention: Promotion of vaccination, safe blood transfusion practices, and public awareness campaigns.
- Early Detection and Diagnosis: Mandating screening protocols, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant women and healthcare workers.
- Treatment and Care: Ensuring access to affordable and effective antiviral therapies.
- Surveillance and Research: Establishing a national registry and monitoring system for hepatitis cases to inform policy decisions.
- Capacity Building: Training healthcare providers for improved management of hepatitis patients.
Legal Provisions and Framework
The Bill proposes the following key legal provisions:
- Mandatory Reporting: Healthcare providers and laboratories will be required to report confirmed cases of viral hepatitis to state health authorities, aiding effective surveillance.
- Vaccination Program: A comprehensive vaccination drive with budgetary allocation, especially targeting hepatitis B and A.
- Regulation of Blood Banks: Enforcing stringent screening to prevent transmission through transfusions.
- Public Health Education: Government-led campaigns to educate citizens about hygiene, safe injection practices, and hepatitis transmission modes.
- Funding and Resource Allocation: Dedicated funds for hepatitis control under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Public Health Significance
The introduction of this Bill aligns with India’s commitment to the WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis which aims to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. With over 40 million people living with hepatitis B and C in India, the Bill could bridge critical gaps in prevention and treatment.
Challenges and Considerations
- Implementation Complexity: Coordinating multiple stakeholders across states and healthcare systems may pose challenges.
- Financial Implications: Sustained funding will be necessary for vaccination, diagnostics, and treatment programs.
- Stigma and Awareness: Overcoming social stigma and misinformation remains a key barrier to effective hepatitis control.
Constitutional and Legal Context
- The Bill is consistent with Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to health.
- It complements existing laws such as the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, and the National AIDS Control Act, 1992, by focusing specifically on viral hepatitis.
- Strengthening public health law infrastructure through this Bill reflects India’s proactive approach to managing infectious diseases.
Role of Private Member Bills
Private Member Bills, though rarely enacted, play a critical role in raising awareness and pushing government action on important issues. This Bill has the potential to catalyze governmental efforts and policymaking toward viral hepatitis control.
Conclusion
The Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Bill introduced by a Private Member is a timely and much-needed initiative addressing a silent epidemic impacting millions in India. By institutionalizing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance under a legal framework, the Bill promises to enhance India’s capacity to control viral hepatitis effectively.
For the Bill to succeed, collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society is crucial. This legislative effort underscores the growing recognition of public health as a fundamental right and priority in India’s development agenda.
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