AQW 8916/16-21

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/12/2016
Answered On Date: 23/12/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether she intends to instruct the extension of pre-natal testing to include Hepatitis C.

Answer:

The National Screening Committee, an independent expert body which advises the four Health Departments in Britain and the north of Ireland about all aspects of screening, has advised that universal screening for hepatitis C in pregnancy is not recommended as there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness.