Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Odisha government has designated Hepatitis “B” and “C” to be notifiable illnesses with immediate effect. The State wants to eliminate Hepatitis B and C infection rates and caseloads within a set period. Planning and intervention need proper data and information.
Now therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section (2) (1) of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Government have been pleased to prescribe that all health care providers whether in the Public, Private / NGO sector where diagnosis, tests & treatment of patients is undertaken, shall have to take adequate steps for timely notification of Hepatitis-“B” and Hepatitis-“C” diseases (Screened or Confirmed) to the designated authorities (i.e., District Surveillance Officer of respective districts & State Surveillance Officer) in reporting Proforma in Annexure-A applicable for testing laboratories / Hospitals / Nursing Homes / Clinics/research institutions/research labs & any other institutions providing medical & follow up care to such patients.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH & FW) guidelines published by the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme are to be consulted for case notification, laboratory work out, management, and prevention, the notification noted. According to the notification, chronic Hepatitis “B” and “C” are significant public health issues in the State and are responsible for significant morbidity, death, and monetary loss.
According to the warning, these illnesses are blood-borne, communicable viral infections brought on by hepatitis “B” and “C” viruses that afflict high-risk groups and other susceptible populations. The advisory stated that both infections can cause liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) if misdiagnosed and untreated. While hepatitis “C” is curable if treated on time for three months, hepatitis “B” requires lifetime therapy.
