Buan County to Support Hepatitis C Diagnosis Test Fees for 56-Year-Olds

Until March of the Following Year After the Health Checkup

Buan-gun, North Jeolla Province, will fully cover the cost of confirmatory tests for those who test positive for hepatitis C antibodies during the national health checkup for 56-year-olds (born in 1969) starting this year.

According to the county on the 11th, hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is transmitted through the blood or body fluids of an infected person. While there is no preventive vaccine, a cure is possible with available treatments. However, if left untreated, it can progress to serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, making early detection crucial.

Buan County will fully cover the testing fees for confirmed cases of hepatitis C in 56-year-olds starting this year. Provided by Buan County

The hepatitis C antibody test is a screening test, and a positive result does not necessarily mean the person has hepatitis C. Therefore, a separate confirmatory test is required to determine current infection status.

Eligibility for support includes those who, in 2024, received a positive result for hepatitis C antibodies during their national health checkup at age 56 and underwent a confirmatory test at a hospital or clinic. The county will fully cover the out-of-pocket costs for the initial consultation and confirmatory test. However, support is not available if the confirmatory test is conducted at a general or tertiary hospital.

Applications for coverage of hepatitis C confirmatory test costs can be made online through the 'Government24' website or by visiting the Buan-gun Public Health Center. The application deadline is until March of the year following the national health checkup.

An official from the Buan-gun Public Health Center stated, "Many people with hepatitis C show no symptoms in the early stages, but the infection can still be transmitted even without symptoms, making early detection extremely important. We hope this program will help with early detection and treatment, and we ask for the active interest of our residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.