When looking at Hepatitis C economic burden, the total financial impact of hepatitis C on healthcare systems and society. Also known as HCV cost impact, it captures everything from drug prices to lost work days. Understanding this burden helps policymakers, doctors, and patients see why cost‑effective strategies matter. The hepatitis C economic burden includes both medical spend and broader social costs.
One big driver is direct medical costs, expenses for doctor visits, lab tests, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. These costs rise sharply when patients start antiviral therapy, the modern cure that can clear the virus but often comes with a high price tag. The economic burden of hepatitis C therefore includes the cost of curing the disease, which can offset long‑term spending on liver complications. In many countries, funding for antiviral therapy is a key policy decision because it directly influences overall spending.
Beyond the clinic, indirect costs, loss of productivity, disability, and premature death add a hidden layer to the total burden. When people miss work or can’t work at all, the economy feels the hit. Widespread screening programs, population‑wide testing that catches infections early can reduce both direct and indirect expenses by preventing advanced liver disease. The economic burden of hepatitis C thus demands a mix of affordable treatment, early detection, and support for those whose livelihoods are affected. Below you’ll find a range of articles that break down these costs, compare treatment options, and show how different health systems tackle the challenge.
Explore the worldwide economic impact of Hepatitis C, covering direct and indirect costs, regional variations, the role of antivirals, and policy strategies to reduce the burden.
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