'Many unregistered dental clinics mushrooming up in state'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 24 2015: Many unregistered dental clinics are mushrooming up in the state which is indeed a matter of serious concern in a state where prevalence of Hep-C and B is very high.

This was echoed during a day-long workshop organised by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) in partnership with Indian Dental Association, Manipur state branch, Directorate of Health Services, government of Manipur and MACS partner NGOs Forum at Hotel Yaiphaba on Sunday.

Considering the issue of Viral Hepatitis in the state and as part of "Healthy Liver Festival" a month long annual program of events marking the World Hepatitis Day, a one day workshop on "Prevention of viral Hepatitis B and C at Dental Health Care Settings" was organized at Hotel Yaiphaba.

Despite of high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in the state there is no specific protocol to prevent Hepatitis B and C infection at Dental Health Care Settings in the state.

Hence many questions have been raised regarding the adherence of standard precautions at the existing private dental clinics to prevent the infection of hepatitis B and C .

Due to lack of awareness on transmission routes of Hepatitis B and C among the general public there is less demand for safe practices from the public to protect themselves during the dental procedure.

Manipur is also one of the states which are highly affected by Hepatitis C in the country according to findings of some independent studies report among the people who inject drugs (PWID) .

Dr Nandalal, Jt Director, Director of Health Services, government of Manipur who was present at the inaugural function as one of the presidium members stated that the main purpose of the workshop is to prevent infection of viral hepatitis B and C at dental health settings in Manipur.

During the open discussion session where issues of unregistered dental clinics mushrooming up in the state was brought up by the participants (mostly dental doctors), the joint director informed that measures have been taken up in this regard by the government to close down unregistered clinics.

Registration has now become mandatory.

Data are insufficient to estimate the transmission of Viral Hepatitis B and C at Dental Health Care Settings as no study has been officially conducted in the state.

But according to the majority of studies conducted in some developing countries, it has been reported that the prevalence of HCV infection among dentists, surgeons, and hospital-based HCP is similar to that among the general population, approximately 1-2% .

Dr L Nandalal Singh, Joint Director (Dental), Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur said maintaining cleanliness and safety for protection of Hepatitis B and C at Dental Health Care Settings in Manipur is necessary.

A recent HCV serological survey conducted by CoNE in partnership with Directorate of Health Services across the nine districts covering 1011 populations found that 83% of PWID are infected with hepatitis � C.Regrettably, nearly 65% of people living with chronic hepatitis B and 75% of those with chronic hepatitis C are not aware of their infection.

Despite its higher prevalence and transmissibility, viral hepatitis C, has received far less attention than HIV in the state.

Highlighting the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in the state Dr Shasee Mangang, State Epidemiologist said that contribution of Dental Health Care providers in preventing the viral Hepatitis B and C in the state is vital.

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