Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) has launched a portal to create awareness on Hepatitis C.
This was formally launched by E S L Narasimhan, Governor, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, at a function here on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG, said out of an estimated 150 million people affected by Hepatitis C in the world, 15 million were from India.
This is higher in North East, Punjab and areas of tribal population.
"The reason for launching the portal is the urgent need for creation of awareness as Hepatitis C is preventable," Reddy said.
Governor Narasimhan said the healthcare in the country should be made affordable.
Hepatitis C is a virus which affects the liver and causes liver cirrhosis and sometimes liver cancer in a gradual manner. About 1.5 to 1.8 crore people suffer from Hepatitis C infection in the country every year.
The highest frequency of infection is in the middle-aged patients and more in males. About 44.8 per cent of patients in the country are unaware of the infection.
Up to 98 per cent of the virus is likely to be cured now. The Web site can be accessed at www.hepatitisccure.in.