World Hepatitis Day: Rajasthan Health Department Urges Safe Tattoo Practices to Prevent Hepatitis

July 28, 2026

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Health Department on Monday urged people to ensure the use of fresh needles, new ink and properly sterilised equipment while getting tattoos or body piercings to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections.

The advisory was issued on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day as the state stepped up efforts to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).

Free Screening and Treatment Available

Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Gayatri Rathore, said screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C are being provided free of cost at designated government health institutions across Rajasthan.

She said the state government is strengthening testing, treatment and preventive measures to achieve the national target of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030. Hepatitis B vaccination is also being provided to healthcare workers and other high-risk groups.

Special Focus on Pregnant Women and Newborns

Rathore said all pregnant women visiting government health facilities undergo mandatory Hepatitis B screening to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

If a pregnant woman tests positive, delivery is conducted under specialist medical supervision. NHM Mission Director Jogaram added that every newborn should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, while babies born to infected mothers should also be given Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) immediately after birth for additional protection.

State Expands Hepatitis Testing Network

The Health Department said Rajasthan has established an extensive testing network under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme.

Viral hepatitis testing and viral load analysis are available at four state-level laboratories in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmer, besides 50 laboratories across 42 districts, including medical colleges, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centres and designated treatment centres, where eligible patients can avail free screening and treatment.