Jaipur, July 28 (IANS) The Rajasthan Health Department on Monday urged people to ensure the use of new needles, fresh ink, and properly sterilised equipment while getting tattoos to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B and C infections.
The advisory was issued on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day as the state intensified efforts to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Gayatri Rathore said screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C are being provided free of cost at designated government health institutions across the state.
She said the government is strengthening testing, treatment, and preventive measures to meet the national target of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030. Rathore added that Hepatitis B vaccination is being administered to healthcare workers and other high-risk groups.
She further said all pregnant women visiting government health facilities undergo mandatory Hepatitis B screening to prevent mother-to-child transmission, one of the major causes of infection. If a pregnant woman tests positive, her delivery is conducted under specialist medical supervision at a healthcare facility.
Rathore also highlighted the state’s ‘Mission Liver Smile’ initiative, launched to promote liver health and prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
NHM Mission Director Jogaram said newborns should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to protect them from infection. In cases where the mother tests positive for Hepatitis B, the newborn should also be given Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) immediately after birth for additional protection.
He advised people to exercise caution while getting tattoos or body piercings by ensuring that only fresh needles, new ink, and sterilised equipment are used to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections. Jogaram said the state has established an extensive testing network under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme.
Viral hepatitis testing and viral load analysis are available at four state-level laboratories in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer, as well as 50 laboratories across 42 districts in medical colleges, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, and designated treatment centers. These facilities are providing free screening and treatment services to eligible patients across Rajasthan.
–IANS
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