The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation believes that the project will make treatment available to a larger number of patients, especially those who have indications for in-patient treatment. The draft order of the ministry was published on Thursday, February 9 on the official portal of draft legislation.
“To approve the attached criteria for medical care to patients with hepatitis C in day hospitals and inpatient facilities in accordance with clinical recommendations and at the expense of compulsory health insurance,” the message says.
Vladimir Chulanov, the chief consultant on infectious diseases of Russia’s Ministry of Health, explained to journalists that patients with hepatitis are hospitalized in the presence of potential risks of severe conditions associated with advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. “Patients are admitted to round-the-clock inpatient facilities in connection with acute, life-threatening conditions, including for diagnostic and therapeutic measures that require the use of special methods and complex medical technologies,” he said.
According to Chulanov, the coverage of these groups of patients with hepatitis C with modern direct antiviral therapy will mean better availability of treatment for the most vulnerable groups, and it will significantly reduce the risks of disease progression. He noted that modern drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C are highly effective and safe and can be used to treat children from the age of three.
On November 5, 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation approved an action plan for the elimination of chronic viral hepatitis C as a public health threat in the country until 2030. In particular, it provides for the creation of a unified register of patients with hepatitis. The roadmap adopted by the Government of the Russian Federation to combat hepatitis C opens up new opportunities for Russian manufacturers of medicines.
