HCV to be screened across state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 17 2014 : As a part of the yearlong Hepatitis-C Virus Advocacy campaign launched on July 10 last, the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur and Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) will organize free Hepatitis C screening camps across the state at District Hospitals and Health Centres.

The screening camp will be held at District Hospitals of Ukhrul, Senapati and Churachandpur, and the PHC Saikul from October 20 to 24, while it will be conducted at District Hospitals of Chandel and Thoubal, CHC Moreh and Imphal East CMO office from November 3 to 7 next.

According to the statement, Tamenglong and Bishnupur District Hospitals along with CoNE office at palace compound will host the HCV screening camp from November 10 to 14 .

The statement issued by R.K.Nalinikanta, President of CoNE stated that Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne virus in Manipur and the primary reason for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in Manipur.

The rate of infection is rapidly increasing and more and more people are getting ill and dying from HCV.

This has serious consequences for our economy and the development of the state.

Saying that HCV infection is usually asymptomatic until serious liver damage is developed, the statement pointed out that early diagnosis can prevent health problems that may result from infection.

The screening camps will provide opportunity for diagnosis of HCV infection for those who have the risk of infection.

People who are found positive for HCV antibody test during the screening camp will further be provided facilities for free qualitative test-HCV RNA confirmatory test, HCV Genotype test, viral load test and provision for liver assessment, it added.

Apart from test IEC materials on HCV, information about treatment facilities, cost of medicines and scheme available under Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund (MSAIF) will also be disseminated during the screening camp.

Comment