Gurugram, July 28: Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern in our country, with the World Health Organization estimating that India is home to an estimated 40 million people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and 6-12 million people who are chronically infected with hepatitis C[1].
Both infections attack the liver, and if left undetected, can over time progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. Both conditions are largely preventable and treatable when caught early — hepatitis B through vaccination and antiviral therapy, and hepatitis C through a fully curative course of direct-acting antivirals.
Despite this, a large proportion of infected individuals in India remain unaware of their status. On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, Medanta has started a hepatitis screening initiative across all its units, bringing preventive liver health checks to more than 1,200 people. The initiative aimed to promote awareness about hepatitis, encourage timely screening for the disease, and highlight the importance of early detection in preventing long-term liver complications.
Emphasizing that routine screening remains one of the most effective tools for early intervention, Dr. Neeraj Saraf, Vice Chairman, Hepatology at Medanta Gurugram, said, “Viral hepatitis remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in the country, largely because it progresses silently for most people. Only in some cases can one observe symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or jaundice and that too after years. The good news is that hepatitis C is completely curable today with a short course of oral antiviral medication, and while hepatitis B requires long-term management, with the right treatment it can effectively be controlled and even be functionally cured. Screening drives like this one are critical because they help us catch the infection before damage to the liver, and they remind people that a simple blood test today can prevent cirrhosis or liver cancer tomorrow.”
The screening drive will be held at Medanta Gurugram and Lucknow on July 28th, Noida and Patna on July 29th, Ranchi on July 30th, Indore on July 31st, and the Mediclinics at Gurugram’s Golf Course Road and Delhi’s Defence Colony on August 1st.
Through this initiative, Medanta reaffirmed its commitment to preventive healthcare and community outreach, encouraging citizens to get tested and take charge of their liver health.