At age 56, people can receive a confirmatory test for hepatitis C during the national health screening. Currently, clinics and hospitals provide support for the cost of hepatitis C confirmatory testing. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 23rd that starting next year, one free test will be available at tertiary and general hospitals up to a cap of 70,000 won.
Hepatitis C is a viral disease transmitted through blood and is a major cause of liver cancer. Liver cancer is the No. 1 cause of death by cancer type among people in their 40s and 50s. Between 54% and 86% of acute hepatitis cases become chronic hepatitis, and if not treated in time, progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
According to the disease agency, reports of hepatitis C cases numbered 8,308 in 2022 and 6,444 last year. Most cases have no early symptoms, making them easy to overlook. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but a cure is possible with antiviral treatment. Early detection and treatment are that much more important.
Among those age 56 who received a confirmatory test for hepatitis C during this year's national health screening but have not yet received support for the testing fee, retroactive support is available if they apply by Mar. 31 next year. The same applies to 56-year-olds who had confirmatory testing at general-hospital level institutions and were excluded from payment of the testing fee. Applications can be made on the Government24 online website or at a nearby public health center. Lim Seung-gwan, commissioner of the disease agency, said, "We will strengthen hepatitis C management."