Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection, resulting from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Adults can develop acute or chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis B is associated with long-term health risks. Chronic infection with hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. On a positive note, hepatitis B is fully manageable when diagnosed and treated properly at an early stage of the disease. Although not every hospital in Northern India can provide expert management for hepatitis B, expert clinical management is widely available through government and private hospital systems in Delhi NCR region. This blog will explain what is available for hepatitis B management, what medications are currently available for hepatitis B, and top hospitals in Delhi NCR where you can get expert management of hepatitis B.
Understanding Hepatitis B: Will Treatment Be Needed?
Not everyone diagnosed with hepatitis B will need treatment immediately. Whether someone needs treatment will depend on whether they have an acute (short-term) or chronic (longer than six months) infection.
•Acute Hepatitis B: Most healthy adults with acute hepatitis B will resolve the infection without treatment within six months. If you have supportive management (rest, hydration, and symptom relief like fever or nausea), that is adequate. Follow-up with liver function tests is helpful but usually no antiviral medications unless complications arise.
•Chronic Hepatitis B: This will be the most common case you will encounter in practice. If someone has HBV in their system for more than six months, the virus is likely a chronic infection. Treatment will be required if liver damage has occurred. Doctors monitor these important factors: viral load (HBV DNA), liver enzymes (ALT and AST), and stage of fibrosis (fibro scan/liver biopsy). Here we will determine whether we will just monitor the patient or use additional treatment. Treatment should be initiated if the patient has a high viral load (viral load > 20,000 IU/mL in ALT normal, <2000 IU/mL in ALT elevated) elevated liver enzymes (ALT > 40) and/or biopsy/fibro scan evidence of liver damage.
Medical Management: Antiviral Treatments That Work
While hepatitis B is not currently curable, antiviral medicines can control the virus very well, decrease liver inflammation and prevent long-term consequences.
The following are the most commonly prescribed options in Delhi NCR and worldwide:
- Tenofovir (TDF or TAF)
•It is favored since it has powerful antivirals characteristics and a low resistance profile.
•Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is the newer and kidney and bone-safe version of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF).
•Long- term therapy is appropriate and WHO and national guidelines support its use.
2.Entecavir (Baraclude)
•Another first line choice for chronic HBV.
•Of special use in patients with cirrhosis.
•Less risk of drug resistance than older antivirals.
- Lamivudine (Epivir)
•A mainstay of treatment now less used due to high resistance development over time.
•Still can be used in combinations or particular patients with limited choices.
4.Telbivudine and Adefovir
• Not commonly used anymore with more effective choices available, such as Tenofovir and Entecavir.
• Can be considered for drug resistant or co-infection cases.
Your hepatologist will make an informed decision about your treatment plan, and will use your health profile as well as your tests and state of liver condition to help them with their decision. Most medications will be available at pharmacies and major hospitals in Delhi NCR, and government hospitals will sometimes have subsidized medications available for a lower cost.
Dr. Giriraj Bora – Best Surgeon in Delhi NCR – Who He is?
Dr. Bora trained meticulously, has worked on several pioneering initiatives in Rajasthan, and has directed Artemis Hospital – which has the most advanced liver surgery center in the country – making him one of the best options for patients with hepatitis B seeking world-class liver care in Delhi NCR.
Best Hospitals for hepatitis B treatment in Delhi NCR
The Delhi NCR region provides some of the best health care facilities in India, with the world-class services of hepatology and gastroenterology. Below are the most trusted hospitals for hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment,
1.Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Artemis Hospital is a state-of-the-art multi-specialty hospital and a leading center for liver care in the NCR. Dr. Giriraj Bora, a well-known surgeon who has performed some of the most complex liver surgeries and liver transplants, operates the hospital’s unit for liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. Artemis Hospital has indicated experience in imaging and diagnostic capabilities, antiviral treatment for hepatitis B, and liver transplant services all under one roof. Artemis Hospital also works to develop the best hospital care pathway for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality hepatitis B care through advanced technology, specialist recommendations, and patient-directed care.
1. Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Vasant Kunj
•Established liver and biliary diseases super-specialty hospital supported by the Government.
•Provides cutting-edge diagnostics (fibroscan, HBV DNA testing), and treatment options for a range of services.
•Associated with advances in research, training and a roster of expert hepatologists.
•Offers treatment at affordable costs to Indian citizens.
2.MAX Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
•One of the best private hospitals in Delhi with a consistently developed hepatology department.
•Provides advice on individualized treatment plans, advanced radiology presence, full follow-up programs.
•Especially suited to those requiring timely access to premium level of care.
3. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar
•Multi-speciality hospital with a good reputation, expert gastroenterologists.
•Offers both OPD care and inpatient care of all aspects of hepatitis and liver-related conditions.
•Offers a good level of care at rather moderate prices.
4.BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Pusa Road
•Popular place for liver care.
•Good facilities and senior liver specialist embed in practice.
•Practo has user’s assessment of hepatologists, Dr. Amrish Sahney has 18 years’ experience and has good responses.
5.Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar (Indraprastha Apollo)
•Provides practical solutions for hepatitis management including, follow up, vaccination, clinical follow ups and liver assessment of functioning.
•Most suited for long-term follow up and liver transplant evaluation clinical care settings.
6.Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
One of the largest non-profit private hospitals in India, equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Offers full-spectrum hepatology services including liver transplant programs.
Ideal for patients in Faridabad, Noida, and nearby NCR areas.
7.St. Stephen’s Hospital, Tis Hazari
•An affordable option for those with the smallest budget who want to consult a doctor.
•OPD fees are approximately ₹0 – ₹1,000 with a reasonable primary care for hepatitis if needed.
Government Support & National Guidelines
India has a National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) that gives patients access to hepatitis testing and treatment in an equitable manner. As part of the NVHCP.
•Testing and antiviral treatment may be fully subsidized when hospitals offering such programs include ILBS, AIIMS, and G.B. Pant Hospital.
•Guidelines will be based on internationally recognized protocols from WHO, allowing for a standardized and evidence-based treatment.
Regardless of your current state of care for hepatitis, consult your doctor or specialist regularly to find out if you can obtain subsidized care or drug programs as part of NVHCP.
Steps for Hepatitis B Management
1.Regular Monitoring – even if you are not on treatment you should still have regular liver function (blood) tests, and follow-up on HBV DNA levels to assess HBV disease progression.
2.Vaccination: HBV vaccination for family members and sexual partners, if they have not been previously vaccinated, will offer protection against HBV transmission.
3.Lifestyle Changes:
No alcohol – keeping your liver healthy.
A liver-friendly diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
Physical activity – good for your overall health.
4.No self-medication: essentially any over-the-counter medication can affect the liver. Always check with your doctor if you add anything new.
5.Be open about your Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is manageable and with appropriate treatment at the right time patients can live long and active lives. Do not let stigma get in the way of getting care.
Real Patient Insights: What Local Residents Say
On various online forums like Reddit, people who live in Delhi have shared their experience with treatment for hepatitis B in the city. Here are some quotes:
•ILBS is a decent hospital, but if you can afford it go to Medanta or Max. If not, G.B. Pant is also decent.
•My uncle had liver issues; we got him treated at Ganga Ram hospital. The doctors were good, and he is doing well now.
These comments give an indication of the range of options that you can access when you consider that your medical needs and financial situation.
Summary: Hepatitis B Care in Delhi NCR is Achievable
Regardless of your situation or if you have been newly diagnosed, or you are managing a chronic hepatitis B infection, the Delhi NCR has an array of treatment options, from government-sponsored places like ILBS to expensive hospitals like Max and Apollo. With the right advice, medicine and lifestyle, hepatitis B can be managed.
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or you have a loved one who is diagnosed, you should see a hepatologist or a liver specialist as soon as possible. The sooner the treatment begins, the less risk of getting complications and living a healthier/longer life.
