Churachandpur gets hepatitis treatment centre
Source: The Sangai Express
Churachandpur, January 22 2020:
The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in association with Airports Authority of India (AAI) and District Health Society, National Health Mission, Churachandpur inaugurated the National Viral Hepatitis Treatment Centre at OPD Block, District Hospital, Churachandpur, today.
Project Empathy also conducted an awareness cum screening camp of healthcare providers on viral hepatitis as part of 'Hepatitis Awareness Week at District Hospital, Churachandpur, said a statement issued by advocacy coordinator of Project EMPATHY.
Stressing that about 60 million Indians are inflicted with Hepatitis B & C virus infections which are responsible for liver cirrhosis and cancer, it lamented that the majority harbouring the infection are undiagnosed and unaware of their status.
Though several initiatives are undertaken by the Government under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to improve access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatment for such individuals and those at risk, the stigma and consequent discrimination associated with these infections are a significant hindrance to care-seeking, compliance and mainstreaming, as often the infected do not want to be identified in fear of social isolation, it continued.
The programme started with the formal inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Treatment Centre by the chief guest, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhandin along with the functional president, Pawan Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur in the presence of Dr Neeraj Raizada, Asst Professor, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, DR VumchinpauTonsing, CMO, Churanchandpur, Dr Rosie Kumari, State Nodal Officer, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme among others.
Speaking on the occasion, V Hangkhanlian thanked the organiser for opening National Viral Hepatitis Treatment Centre and conducting awareness & screening camps for the welfare of the people of Churachandpur in particular.
The Minister also felicitated few of the Kayakalp Awardees-2019 of this district.
Unaffordability of the treatment cost for hepatitis is a cause of concern since long, but with the opening of this treatment centre, locals of Churachandpur district will get better health care and treatment facilities, added the Minister.
Saying that Churachandpur District has one of the best district hospitals in Manipur and received many awards, the Minister assured that the District Hospital will be upgraded into Medical College shortly.
Pawan Yadav said that the people of the district, especially those from far-flung areas who were unable to get treatment for hepatitis diseases can now avail proper medical treatment at the District Hospital, Churachandpur.
The District Hospital will not only serve the people of Manipur but also the people from outside the State as well, the DC added.
Dr Neeraj Raizada, while addressing the gathering and explaining the importance of screening of hepatitis B & C, said that hepatitis has been called a silent epidemic because most people who have it don't know they are infected and according to Global Hepatitis Report 2017, only 10% of the people who are infected know their status.
More than 500 individuals were screened and vaccinated by ILBS team at District Hospital, Churachandpur.
An interactive quiz on hepatitis B & C was also conducted for the healthcare professionals and felicitated the winners with prizes.
(With input from DIPR) .
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