HCV Elimination Project Kicks off in Tianjin

        Deputy director Shen Yingsheng and project specialist Wang Fengjiao from China Liver Health introduced the situation of China Liver Health and specific arrangements of Tianjin Hepatitis C Elimination Community Action. In the next 2 months, the project will carry out two aspects of work with the assistance of community leaders and under the guidance of experts from Tianjin Second People's Hospital. First, through posters, leaflets, WeChat, community activities, etc., to achieve full coverage of hepatitis C science popularization at Xuefu Street so as to ensure that the residents know about the harm of hepatitis C, the urgency of treatment, transmission routes and prevention methods, the possibility of curing hepatitis C as well as medical insurance reimbursement policy for treatment. Second, on this basis, to provide free testing services for people at high risk of hepatitis C infection within the jurisdiction of Xuefu Street, and guide them to visit Tianjin Second People's Hospital for further diagnosis and follow-up treatment.

        According the Notice on Piloting Capitation Payment for Hepatitis C Outpatient Medical Expenses under Basic Medical Insurance, people who are covered by the basic medical insurance scheme and have paid the insurance premiums for 3 years continuously in Tianjin or have a Tianjin hukou will be included in the scope of capitation payment after diagnosed with hepatitis C at the pilot hospital.

        Eliminating hepatitis C is an effective action to realize the great Chinese dream. As a common disease among the middle-aged and senior people and also among the poor, hepatitis C can develop into serious diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Promoting science popularization, early detection and treatment of hepatitis C will contribute to targeted poverty alleviation in healthcare, reducing the possibility of subsequent cirrhosis and liver cancer, and effectively reducing social and individual disease burden.