During November 2023 data collection process, one respondent on hepatitis C (HCV) informed the data enumerator about another one of his friend who is HCV RNA positive. In the same month, two data enumerators visited his residence, upon which he was found bed-ridden after he met an accident. Due to his condition, he was yet to start HCV treatment even after he was confirmed RNA positive. His family member was also not aware about whom to approach for initiation of his HCV treatment.
Action taken: In order to assist initiating his treatment, staff from CoNE collected blood samples for conducting the baseline clinical investigations required as per the national program. Thereafter, we pursue the concern authority of the Model Treatment Centre (MTC), JNIMS to allow him to access the HCV medicine without his physical presence. We were told to bring at least one of their family members while coming to collect the medicine. Our staff went to MTC along with the son of the bed ridden patient and consequently he was initiated on treatment for HCV during November.