Imphal: Health & IPR Minister, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh said that “we all need to spread awareness about Hepatitis disease and its infection”. Minister Ranjan was speaking as chief guest on the occasion of the observance of World Hepatitis Day held at the auditorium of JNIMS, Porompat, Imphal East, Tuesday.
The Minister said that majority of the people do not have an idea of the infectiousness and effects of the disease. ‘Bringing Care Closer to you-Hepatitis Can’t Wait, is the theme of this year’s observation. A cohesive effort is required for carrying out a successful campaign on Hepatitis, he added.
Ranjan stated that the primary health care system needs to be focused. Without strengthening primary health care, it will be difficult to improve the tertiary health care system. All the sections under the medical department need to join hands and work with dedication for bringing a change, he added.
Mentioning about War on Drugs, the minister said that the campaign which was launched by the Chief Minister of Manipur with the objective to save the generation from drug abuse is highly commendable. The campaign will definitely help to bring a solution to the menace of drug abuse in the state, he added.
Speaking at the occasion as a resource person, Medical Superintendent, JNIMS, Dr. Kh. Lokeshwor informed that Hepatitis can be transmitted through contaminated blood, mother to a newborn child, sharing of infected needles, unsafe sex etc. The Hepatitis B vaccine is available under UIP. For treatment of Hepatitis A&E supportive care and a Symptomatic management system may be taken. For B & C, there is treatment available at free of cost at RIMS, JNIMS and in all the designated health facilities in the 16 districts, he added.
Director, Health Services Manipur, Dr. Kh. Sasheekumar Mangang; P.D. MSACS, S. H. Roshita Devi; Director JNIMS, Dr. L. Deben Singh graced the occasion as president and guests of honour respectively. A rally was also flagged off as a part of the observation.
