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KUALA LUMPUR — It is estimated that about 500,000 Malaysians have Hepatitis C, but most of them are unaware of their infection, said the country’s Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam.
Calling it a major challenge in the medical field, he said Hepatitis C incidence rates saw an increase from 3.71 per cent in 2009 to 8.57 per cent in 2016.
“However, we must also be cognizant of the fact that the figures obtained from the Health Ministry may be an underestimation of the actual situation as not everyone who seeks treatment or go for executive screening will be offered tests for Hepatitis C,” said Dr Subramaniam
He said the increased prevalence of chronic hepatitis would mean more and more people will end up with cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“About 40 to 50 per cent of all cirrhotic patients due to hepatitis C will develop progressive liver damage and ultimately liver failure and death,” he told reporters after launching the 12th Liver Update 2017 event here on Thursday (July 20).
He stressed that efforts to identify patients at risk of the blood-borne virus needed to be accelerated.
“Screening for Hepatitis C at various levels needs to be enhanced and treatment prioritised to patients who are at higher risk of developing advanced liver disease,” he said.
“Screening however can only be effective if those identified to have Hepatitis C are linked to competent healthcare providers. Patients eligible for treatment will have to be offered treatment.
Dr Subramaniam said the government is currently working towards formulating ways to make the cost of treatment affordable with international agencies.
Currently, he said the treatment for Hepatitis C (12 weeks) can be as much as RM40,000 (S$12,772) per person.
“We hope to bring it down to about RM1,000. If we do that then it will be a major success. We hope to achieve this in one or two years.” NEW STRAITS TIMES
Source: http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/500000-malaysian-have-hepatitis-c-they-just-dont-know-it-yet