Health director stresses joint efforts to end hepatitis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 28 2025: Acknowledging commitment of all the health workers in realising the goal of eliminating hepatitis from the country by 2030, Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei has urged for collective efforts in ending the scourge of hepatitis from Manipur as well.

National Hepatitis Control Programme, State Health Mission, National Health Mission and Directorate of Health Services jointly observed World Hepatitis Day on the theme "Let's break it down", at Hotel Imphal, North AOC here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr Chambo informed that hepatitis, if left unchecked, could be fatal.

"There is need to spread awareness amongst the masses on the spread and transmission hepatitis, its prevention and control measures," he stressed, adding that hepatitis is of five types.

Health director stresses joint efforts to end hepatitis

Although their transmissions are different, the liver is the major organ affected.

Of the five, hepatitis B and C are the most concerning and require proper treatment.

As such, informing the masses on prevention and treatment of hepatitis is of the utmost importance, he asserted.

While informing that hepatitis is treated for free at RIMS, JNIMS and district hospitals, he appreciated the efforts made by health workers and stake holders.

The director then called for collective efforts in eliminating the disease by 2030, adding that health works play an important role in this regard.

Delivering the keynote speech, NVHC, NHM Manipur SNO Dr RK Rosie urged for treating the disease without any discrimination or stigma.

Once one starts taking medicine for hepatitis B, they have to do it for life.

Additionally, as hepatitis B can be transmitted from pregnant women to their babies, every pregnant woman must get tested for hepatitis B .

Hepatitis C, however, is more prevalent amongst drug users.

If proper treatment is provided, the patient can recover within 3-4 months, she explained, and informed that common screening centres have been opened at RIMS and JNIMS.

In India, around 40 million people are infected with hepatitis B where in Manipur around three lakh people have been screened since 2019, over 7100 successfully treated and nearly 900 people taking medicine, she added.

Presided over by NHM State Mission director Dr M Dinesh, the observance was also attended by Family Welfare Services director Dr N Hemantakumar, MACS project director and Health and Family Welfare joint secretary Shamim Ahmad Shah, RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma and JNIMS director Prof L Usharani as guests of honour.

During the observance, appreciation certificates were awarded to the Model Treatment Centres in JNIMS and RIMS in recognition of their viral hepatitis management; basic service appreciation awards to the state laboratories of JNIMS and RIMS; MACS for hepatitis B screening and counselling of pregnant women; best performing district award to Ukhrul district for hepatitis B and C treatment; best performing district award to Thoubal district for effective testing of hepatitis B and C screening; best performing district award to Imphal West for hepatitis B and C healthcare worker vaccination; and best performing district award to Churachandpur district for National Viral Hepatitis Control Program MIS Portal Entry.