Economic Evaluation of Implementing a Decentralised Hepatitis B Virus Diagnostic Intervention Under National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in Tamil Nadu, South India

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of decentralised diagnostic programme for hepatitis B virus (HBV) implemented in Tamil Nadu, South India with specific focus on a selected key population at increased risk of HBV.

Methods: A combination of decision tree and Markov model was developed to compare cost-effectiveness of the new and standard strategy. Cost and health outcomes were calculated based on the proportion of cohort in each respective health state. Total costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention and comparator strategies were calculated. The model parameter uncertainties were evaluated by sensitivity analysis.

Results: Considering decentralised HBV diagnosis followed by early treatment and vaccination for negatives for a cohort of 1000 population resulted in 505 QALYs gained and incremental cost-saving of 180749 ($2620). The decentralised diagnostic strategy could avert 294 deaths, gain 293 life years and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure of 3274 ($47) per person for HBV management.

Conclusion: Decentralised HBV diagnosis followed by early treatment and vaccination for negatives in Tamil Nadu can save lives and reduce out-of-pocket expenditures compared to standard strategy.