When was the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program launched?

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) was officially launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
The launch date was 28 July 2018, strategically chosen to coincide with World Hepatitis Day to maximize public awareness.
The program's primary objective is to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health concern in India by the year 2030.
It provides free diagnosis and treatment for Hepatitis B and C, which are major public health challenges.

Option B: This date is incorrect. While the month and year are close, the program was launched in July, not June.
Option C: This date is incorrect. The program was launched in the middle of the year, not at the beginning.
Option D: This date is incorrect. Although the month is correct, the specific day is wrong. The launch was on the 28th, not the 24th.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch Date of National Health Programs in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of implementing the NVHCP by screening high-risk populations, administering the crucial Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, and educating patients about prevention.
Understanding the program's components helps nurses to effectively link patients with free diagnostic and treatment services, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing disease transmission.
What if? If a nurse encounters a newborn whose mother is HBsAg positive, the nurse's immediate priority action changes. In addition to the birth dose of the vaccine, the infant must also receive Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth to provide immediate passive immunity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question, which is asking for a specific date of a national program launch.
Recognize this as a factual recall question. These questions test your memory of specific facts, dates, and figures related to public health.
Scan the options. Notice that they are all in the same year (2018), which means you need to recall the exact day and month.
Try to associate the program with a significant event. The NVHCP launch was timed with World Hepatitis Day (28th July), which is a common strategy for health programs to gain visibility. This association can be a powerful memory aid.
Select the option that matches the recalled date and its associated event.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 72-74

Practise the full Punjab CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.