§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action is being taken to improve the(a) detection and (b) treatment rates of hepatitis C; and what the (i) detection and (ii) treatment rates are in the Northern health region in the last year for which Figures are available; [139402]
(2) if he will make a statement on the progress of the Hepatitis C Action Plan. [139403]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Department published its consultation document, "Hepatitis C Strategy for England", in August 2002, which set out proposals to improve the effectiveness of prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for hepatitis C. The Department intends to publish an action plan to implement this strategy in the next few months.
1117WDetection and treatment rates for the Northern health region are currently being collated and will be placed in the Library when available.