Dharmashala: The Department of Health, CTA with funding from PRM, US conducted biannual follow-up tests on Hepatitis B-positive patients in Dharamshala on 5th and 6th December 2022. Those who were Hepatitis positive and are on Anti-viral medication were screened twice a year to detect and check the severity and improvement of the case. Those who were not on treatment were screened once a year. A similar program is being carried out in 23 Tibetan Settlements under the guidance of the department. Considering the importance of regular medical evaluation every 6-12 months to assess the liver health and need for antiviral therapy in the Hepatitis B positive patients, the Department took the initiative to test all the patients with Hepatitis B since the start of this program.
List of Tests conducted for Hep B patients are :
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- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- LFT (Liver Function Test)
- HBV DNA (Viral Load)
- Serum Creatinine
- Alpha Fero Protein (AFP)
- Ultrasound
Currently, it is in the fourth phase of the screening and vaccination campaign. The data compiled in the 3 different phases are being analyzed and evaluated by our experts and will publish a Hep B prevalence and status report for our exile community soon.
