Towards a Hepatitis-Mukt Bharat: Assessing the Progress of NVHCP

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28, 2026), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare underscored India’s steadfast commitment to achieving a 'Hepatitis-Mukt Bharat' by 2030. This goal is intrinsically linked to the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, which aims to end the epidemics of communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis.

Since its inception in 2018, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s public health strategy. The program’s multi-pronged approach—focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and free treatment—has yielded substantial results. With over 21 crore beneficiaries screened to date and more than 6 lakh patients receiving free treatment, the NVHCP demonstrates the government's focus on universal health coverage and the reduction of out-of-pocket expenditure for vulnerable populations.

Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge in India, often referred to as a 'silent killer' due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages. The NVHCP addresses this by integrating hepatitis services into the existing primary healthcare infrastructure, including Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. By leveraging digital health records and decentralized testing, the program aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access. However, challenges persist, including the need for increased awareness, the reduction of social stigma, and the strengthening of surveillance systems to track disease prevalence accurately.

As India moves closer to the 2030 deadline, the focus is shifting toward scaling up vaccination drives, particularly for Hepatitis B, and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of antiviral drugs. The government’s emphasis on 'Hepatitis-Mukt Bharat' reflects a broader shift toward preventive healthcare, moving beyond curative models to address the root causes of chronic disease burdens in the country.