India Steps up Efforts to Eliminate Hepatitis as a Public Health Threat by 2030

India is systematically strengthening its efforts to combat hepatitis, with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030. The programme has adopted a health systems approach and has been integrated with various national health initiatives to prevent infections and provide free diagnostics and treatment to affected people.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses, other infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, or autoimmune diseases. The five main hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D and E, with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

About National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme

Launched in 2018 to provide hepatitis screening and treatment services in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focuses on preventive, promotive and curative interventions through:

• Creating awareness.
• Improving healthcare access.
• Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Provides free diagnostics and medicines for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• Integrated with various national health programmes to strengthen hepatitis prevention and control.
• Utilisation of local funding.
• Affordable generic medicines.
• Existing healthcare delivery platforms.
• Services are being decentralised from district hospitals to local health centres to bring testing and treatment closer to communities.

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) Cabinet Approves Scheme for Floating Solar Plants

The Union Cabinet recently approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), a major initiative aimed at promoting Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects integrated with Energy Storage Systems (ESS), with a total financial outlay of T 5,070 crore. The projects under the scheme will be sanctioned during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with disbursement of financial support continuing up to FY 2032-33.

Aim and Objectives: Development of 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects with co-located Energy Storage Systems having a minimum storage capacity of two hours, i.e., 10,000 MWh. The scheme supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India's renewable energy ecosystem and clean energy manufacturing capabilities.

Financial Incentives: Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 1 crore per MW will be provided for eligible Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects after successful commissioning. In addition, CFA of up to T 50 lakh per project will be available for undertaking feasibility studies, including bathymetry and hydrography assess­ments, environmental studies, and other preparatory activities required for de-risking the project development.

Expected Outcome

• Nationwide Coverage: Benefits all States and Union Territories by promoting floating solar capacity across the country.
• Capacity Expansion: Increases India's floating solar PV capacity by 5,000 MW from the existing capacity of around 700 MW.
• Efficient Land Use: Enables utilisation of reservoirs and industrial ponds, reducing competition for scarce land resources.
• Grid Stability: Integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) will improve renewable energy mana-gement and enhance grid reliability.
• Climate Benefits: Expected to reduce around 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
• Employment Generation: Likely to create approxi-mately 16,000-17,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the project value chain.
• Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Promotes indigenous production of floating structures, solar PV cells and modules, energy storage systems and related components.