Medical Technologists committed to support government efforts against viral hepatitis

By The Star Staff

The Puerto Rico Medical Technologists Association (CTMPR) announced the creation of a permanent working group to directly support the government’s efforts in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis on the Island, with a particular focus on hepatitis C.

This initiative, announced yesterday as part of World Hepatitis Day, aims to go beyond a single day of awareness. The Association’s goal is to establish a continuous, sustained, and high-impact community health promotion campaign that incorporates year-round testing, guidance, surveillance, and educational action.

“Our commitment is ongoing. We are establishing this working group to collaborate with the Department of Health, with providers, with communities, and with all entities willing to help eradicate these diseases that affect thousands of people in Puerto Rico,” said the Association’s president, Lcda. Bárbara Surillo.

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, hepatitis C remains one of the main public health threats, with an estimated prevalence between 2% and 6% of the population. Although the direct-acting antiviral treatment—which can cure hepatitis C in as little as eight weeks—is covered by the Vital Health Plan, very few physicians in clinical practice are recommending or managing it.

“The curative treatment for hepatitis C exists, is available, and is covered by the Vital Plan. However, its use remains very limited due to lack of awareness, stigma, and lack of initiative from some physicians. That’s why, as medical technologists, we are committed to leading the diagnostic phase and proactively guiding patients, their providers, and their communities,” said Lcda. Surillo.

The president also reminded that it was the medical technologists who, in coordination with the correctional system and the Department of Health, led hepatitis screening tests this year for thousands of incarcerated individuals in Puerto Rico.

“That experience has shown us that it is possible to intervene with efficiency, humanity, and evidence. Now we want to take that model beyond the walls into our communities. Our approach will be community-based, inclusive, and continuous.”

The 2023–2027 Operational Plan for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis, developed by the Department of Health, identifies persistent barriers such as limited access to diagnostic testing, weak linkage to curative treatment, and limited provider education on the most up-to-date protocols. The new working group of the Puerto Rico Medical Technologists Association (CTMPR) aims to help overcome these barriers from a technical and operational standpoint, also integrating policy and educational proposals.

“Viral hepatitis does not discriminate, but our response must—by favoring early diagnosis, effective treatment, and health justice. From our labs, medical technologists bring science, compassion, and action to serve Puerto Rico,” said Surillo.

The initiative will be accompanied by an agenda of educational activities, partnerships with community organizations, a public service media campaign, and participation in Department of Health initiatives. The Association will also propose measures to integrate hepatitis screening into health certification processes and other routine clinical evaluations.

According to official data from the Department of Health, approximately 24.3 cases of viral hepatitis per 100,000 inhabitants were reported in 2023, and it is estimated that over 30,000 people may be infected without knowing it. Although a curative treatment exists, Puerto Rico still faces structural challenges that prevent full access and utilization.