Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, healthcare experts and industry stakeholders have called for greater awareness, early screening and vaccination to reduce the growing burden of viral hepatitis. Often referred to as a “silent disease”, hepatitis can remain undetected for years before causing serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Care Health Insurance Highlights Rising Disease and Treatment Costs
As per the press release issued by Care Health Insurance, liver disease claims have doubled over the past three years, while treatment costs have increased by nearly 100% during the same period. The insurer has also observed a 5–10% annual rise in claims among younger individuals, a 10–15% increase in claims from Tier II and Tier III cities, and a nearly 10% year-on-year increase among women.
The insurer noted that advanced liver disease can require costly interventions, with liver transplants at private hospitals typically costing between ₹18 lakh and ₹35 lakh, followed by lifelong medication expenses. It also urged people to undergo hepatitis B and C screening at least once, complete the recommended hepatitis B vaccination schedule, practise safe injection and hygiene measures, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect liver health.
Care Health Insurance further advised individuals to review their health insurance coverage, as adequate financial protection can help reduce the burden of expensive treatments.
PharmEasy Calls for Greater Awareness and Preventive Action
Echoing the need for early intervention, PharmEasy emphasised that awareness and timely diagnosis remain critical in tackling viral hepatitis.
Gaurav Verma, Chief Business Officer at PharmEasy (API Holdings), said, “Hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge, and its symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for those of other common illnesses, allowing the infection to go undetected until serious complications arise. This highlights the importance of awareness, timely testing and prevention. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools against vaccine-preventable forms of viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis A and B.”
He added, “At PharmEasy, we believe tackling hepatitis requires a proactive approach—understanding the risks, consulting a doctor when symptoms arise, getting tested when recommended, and adopting preventive measures such as vaccination when advised by a doctor and safe sex practices. Through access to doctor consultations, diagnostic services, and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, we aim to help people move from awareness to action and take charge of their health.”
The company highlighted that improving access to doctor consultations, diagnostic services and vaccinations can encourage more people to seek timely care and prevent avoidable liver complications.
With India aiming to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, experts agree that sustained awareness campaigns, routine screening, vaccination, timely treatment and preventive healthcare will play a crucial role in reducing the country’s liver disease burden.