State observes World Hepatitis Day
Health Director calls for timely vaccination against hepatitis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 28 2026: The Directorate of Health Ser-vices has called for timely test and vaccination against hepatitis.

The Directorate of Health Services, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and State Health Society, National Health Mission observed World Hepatitis Day 2026 at different places today.

At one such observation held under the theme "Let's break it down" at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmei-rong, Health Services Director Dr N Hemanta-kumar said that hepatitis infection can be prevented and Hepatitis C, once dreaded, is now curable.

He said that hepatitis infection must be confirmed through necessary tests as early as possible.

State observes World Hepatitis Day

Delay in confirming hepatitis infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer, and this can prove fatal, Dr Hemantakumar said.

He said that timely vaccinations can prevent many diseases including hepatitis.

All pregnant women must compulsorily undergo hepatitis test.

Even if a pregnant women is found infec- ted by hepatitis, transmission to unborn child can be prevented, he said.

So far, over 1,45,000 hepatitis tests have been conducted on pregnant women, the Health Director said.

He also appealed to doctors, nurses and staff working at different health centres across the State to discharge their duties diligently and honestly.

Noting that there have been numerous reports of doctors and nurses not doing their duties properly, the Health Director appealed to all doctors and nurses to discharge their duties properly.

He also appealed to the public to acknowledge the works of doctors.

Family Welfare Services Director Dr N Bino warned that hepatitis, if not detected early, can cause several diseases including liver cirr- hosis and cancer.

A large number of people across the world are infected by hepatitis and it is a silent killer in Manipur, he said.

Dr Bino also emphasised the need for creating widespread awareness among the masses on hepatitis.

Saying that hepatitis infection can be cured easily if detected in the early stages, he also highlighted the importance of timely vaccination.

National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, State Nodal Officer Dr RK Roji said that the World Hepatitis Day was observed with the primary objectives of spreading awareness, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

The ultimate goal of observing the World Hepatitis Day is elimination of hepatitis from the planet, she said.

At the international level, Hepatitis B is more dangerous than Hepatitis C.Hepatitis B has more infection rate than Hepatitis C, she said.

Hepatitis is transmitted through blood and it can also be transmitted through sharing of syringes among drug users.

Hepatitis can also be transmitted if medical tools and equipment used in hospitals/clinics are not sanitised properly, Dr Roji said.

She said that transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to child is quite high.

Dr Roji said that there are 16 hepatitis treatment centres in Manipur-- one in each of the 16 districts.

RIMS and JNIMS too have hepatitis treatment centres.

Efforts are on to set up one more treatment centre in each of the 16 districts, she added.