Dr. Rajat Keshari Leads the Charge: Turning the Tide Against Hepatitis B and C in India

"2025 Consensus Guidelines Pave the Way for Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and Cure—How India Can Achieve Hepatitis Elimination"

Dr. Rajat Keshari Calls for Urgent Action on Hepatitis B and C in India: 2025 Consensus Highlights Path to Elimination

Varanasi/New Delhi, January 23, 2026 — Dr. Rajat Keshari, a leading gastroenterologist and public health educator, has urged India to accelerate its fight against hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), aligning clinical practices with the latest 2025 consensus guidelines. While India possesses effective tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Dr. Keshari emphasizes that timely implementation remains the biggest hurdle in curbing the epidemic.

Early Screening: The Cornerstone of Hepatitis Control

According to international and Indian recommendations, early screening is critical to controlling hepatitis. Dr. Keshari highlights that the following groups should prioritize testing:

• Individuals with a history of blood transfusions or unsafe injections

• Those with tattoos, piercings, or high-risk exposures

• People born to HBV-infected mothers

"Screening is the first step toward prevention. Identifying infections early allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of severe liver disease," he explains.

Hepatitis B: Prevention and Treatment Strategies

For HBV, treatment is individualized based on factors like viral load, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. Long-term antivirals such as tenofovir or entecavir are recommended for eligible patients. However, vaccination remains the most powerful tool against HBV.

"Universal HBV vaccination can drastically reduce transmission and protect future generations," Dr. Keshari asserts.

Hepatitis C: A Curable Epidemic

The 2025 consensus strongly endorses pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV, which can cure over 95% of patients in just 8–12 weeks. India’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme has expanded access to free or subsidized testing and treatment, making elimination a realistic goal.

"With DAAs, we have the means to cure HCV. The challenge now is ensuring every patient has access to these life-saving drugs," Dr. Keshari states.

A Call for Coordinated Action

Dr. Keshari underscores that hepatitis-related cirrhosis and liver cancer are largely preventable with systematic efforts:

• Universal HBV vaccination

• Safe medical practices

• Rapid linkage to treatment

"By working together—clinicians, policymakers, and communities—we can dramatically reduce hepatitis-related deaths and move closer to elimination," he urges.

About Dr. Rajat Keshari

Dr. Rajat Keshari is a renowned gastroenterologist, public health educator, and advocate for liver health in India. His work focuses on bridging clinical expertise with community awareness to combat preventable diseases like hepatitis.

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