Simpler diagnostic Hepatitis C test at government facilities

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- A simpler diagnostic test for Hepatitis C will be made available at 22 government hospitals and 25 health clinics nationwide, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

This follow the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Health Ministry's Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (Find) which he witnessed here today.

Dr Dzulkefly said the MoU marked an important milestone in achieving  the World Health Organisation viral hepatitis goals, which is to get 90 per cent of the population screened and diagnosed and 80 per cent treated by the year 2030.

He said the Health Ministry estimated about 500,000 Malaysians were living with Hepatitis C infection today without even knowing it due to the low level of awareness.

"Lack of awareness on Hepatitis C  needs to be addressed accordingly as undiagnosed  Hepatitis C could result in liver cancer and other serious illnesses,” he said at the MoU signing ceremony.

Dr Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry would conduct Hepatitis C  outreach and awareness activities in order to encourage the public to undergo the new simpler diagnose and test.

-- BERNAMA