Jeevan Rekha: Combating Hepatitis C in Haryana

Introduction: Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. Progression from acute to chronic HCV infection occurs in 50% to 85% of cases. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide and a potential cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in the future.

Aims and Objectives: To study the effectiveness of the Jeevan Rekha Scheme (State Sponsored Scheme) in combating the menace of chronic hepatitis C in the state of Haryana-India.

Material and Methods: The patients who were anti-HCV positive and subsequently confirmed on HCV RNA (quantitative) and genotyping were treated with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin and followed up serially for viral loads at repeated intervals, till they reached stage of sustained virological response.

Results: Majority of the subjects were male and belonged to younger age group. Genotype 3 was most common, followed by 4 and 1. The compliance rate was excellent i.e.,93%. The overall sustained virological response was very high i.e., 90%.