§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation he has made of the measures(a) available and (b) required to prevent, treat and manage cases of chronic hepatitis C infection. [73896]
§ Ms BlearsWe publishedHepatitis C Strategy for England for consultation on 14 August 2002 in recognition of the importance of hepatitis C as an important public health issue, as highlighted in the Chief Medical Officer's infectious disease strategy, Getting Ahead of the Curve. The strategy sets out the current situation and proposals to improve the effectiveness of prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for hepatitis C.
Following consultation, it is intended that the strategy will form the basis of an action plan, as proposed in Getting Ahead of the Curve. This will serve as a clear framework setting out actions that need to be taken by Government, the National Health Service and others to intensify efforts to tackle hepatitis C.