Motor rally, free screening mark Hepatitis Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 28 2022: Raising the demand for increasing HCV and HCV testing and treatment facilities in the state, Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) in association with Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), Babi-na Diagnostics, Two Stroke Motor Cycle Club and community-based organisations affiliated to CoNE launched a weeklong observance of World Hepatitis Day 2022 with a Motor Cycle Rally from Palace Compound here on Thursday.

The rally was flagged off by JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Kh Lokeshwar and Babina Diagnostics managing director Dr Th Dhabali.

In all, 55 bikers took part in the rally, which passed through Ananda Singh Academy Nongmeibung, Imphal East DC Road, JNIMS Road, Lamlong Keithel, Khurai Thangjam Leikai; Minuthong, Kangla Pat Road, BT Fly Over, Uripok Kangchup Road, Naoremtheng Road, Sagolband Tera Road, Sagolband Sayang Road, Kwakeithel, Khagempali Road, Pishumthong and Singjamei Chingamakhong Road before culminating at Pishum Hao Ground, Chingamathak.

According CoNE president Rk Nalinikanta, poster/leaflet campaign will also be carried out in various areas, in addition to CMHT scheme and e-SHRAM enrolment camp, Hepatitis B screening and vaccination camp, Radio and TV Talk shows during the weeklong observance.

Meanwhile, 1 person tested positive for Hepatitis B during screening of 55 people from vulnerable groups, and was provided with necessary diagnosis and treatment under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, he informed.

The president also said that in the CMHT and e-SHRAM enrolment camp, 30 drug users and their families enlisted for CMHT, while 10 others and their families enrolled for e-SHRAM card.

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) in collaboration with Natco Pharma Limited and CORE Diagnostics also observed World Hepatitis Day by organising a free Hepatitis B and C screening camp at Shija Hospitals, Langol and Shija Urban OPD, Keishampat.

A total of 38 individuals were screened during the camp, informed a release by SHRI business development manager L Premjit Singh, adding that Shija Hospitals also organised a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on "Viral Hepatitis" at its auditorium.

The programme was attended by about 40 clinical staff, including consultant physicians, DNB trainees and nursing staff.

During the CME programme, SHRI DNB (General Medicine) Dr G Narendrade-va Sharma deliberated on prognosis and preventive measures as well as treatment options available for viral hepatitis.

These events aim to bring hepatitis care closer to the masses and raise awareness among people about Hepatitis B and C, its consequences, and ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis, added the release.

Shija Hospitals has been actively organising hepatitis awareness programmes and free public camps.

To further the cause and protect its employees, the hospital also mandated all new employees to complete a hepatitis immunisation programme, said the BD manager.

Every year on July 28, people all over the world observe World Hepatitis Day in the hope of a hepatitis-free future, focusing strongly on spreading awareness of the disease.

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