Get tested for timely treatment, advises Dr Ranjan
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 29 2024: If one suspects infection by Hepatitis, he/she should not hide the same but get tested at the earliest so as to avail necessary treatment in time, stressed Health & Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh.

The World Hepatitis Day 2024 was jointly observed by National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), National Health Mission and Directorate of Health Services, Manipur under the theme "It's Time for Action" at the main auditorium of JNIMS, Porompat on Monday.

Speaking as chief guest of the observance function, Dr Ranjan underscored the often-unnoticed nature of Hepatitis, cautioning, "Hepatitis usually goes unnoticed as it occurs in the liver, which has less pain receptors.

As a result, the disease often goes undiagnosed until it is too late".

Emphasising the importance of regular screenings and public awareness to combat the spread of Hepatitis and reduce the associated health burden, he urged the people not to hesitate in getting tested for Hepatitis and, if tested positive, to seek treatment under NVHCP.

If Hepatitis is treated early, it can easily be cured, he maintained.

For Hepatitis C, one can get better with proper treatment, while for Hepatitis B medication for life is inevitable.

If not diagnosed or treated in time, the liver gets infected.

However, the symptoms do not show in early stages and as such, the illness is diagnosed when the liver is in serious condition, which often leads to death.

Thus, Dr Ranjan urged all concerned to avail the free testing and medication facilities provided by the government under NVHCP.

Dr Ranjan then opined that coordinated efforts are needed from various departments and organisations including NGOs to fight the disease and also others diseases including dengue, which is rising in the state.

He stressed that other departments also have important role in addition to the role of the Health Department and appealed to NGOs to work sincerely as their role is significant in this fight, while encouraging all medical, paramedical and nursing students to learn about the various health programmes.

Presiding over the observance, Health and Family Welfare special secretary A Hungyo Worshang said that the biggest challenge in fighting Hepatitis is spreading awareness.

"The role of media, health practitioners, doctors, nurses, and others working in different fields is crucial in achieving the goal of combating Hepatitis and eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030," he stated.

Worshang also emphasised the seriousness of the disease and informed that India has the world's second highest prevalence of viral hepatitis cases after China.

He then urged everyone to get tested for Hepatitis, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment.

Speaking as guest of honour, JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Kh Lokeshore emphasised the significance of World Hepatitis Day and the reasons behind its observance.

He highlighted that Hepatitis is one of the most preventable and curable diseases, but it often goes unnoticed by the public.

"Only one out of six people are aware of their own Hepatitis status", he stated.

Dr Lokeshore then underscored the risk of undiagnosed individuals spreading the disease to others and stressed the importance of getting tested and treatment to prevent further transmission.

Health Services director Dr O Sanahanbi Devi, Family Welfare Services director Dr L Tomcha Khuman, JNIMS director Dr L Deben Singh, and NHM SHS state mission director Dr M Dinesh Singh also attended the observance as guests of honour, along with officials and staff of the Health Department, doctors and nurses, nursing students and others.

Comment