JAMMU, JULY 28: World Hepatitis Day was observed at Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar by organizing a mega screening Camp.
The Camp was inaugurated by Director Health Services Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar in presence of Chief Medical Officer Jammu Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Medical Superintendent Dr. Narinder Bhutiyal and District Health Officer Dr. Samina Nazir.
The event started with detailed power point presentations on implementation and challenges of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) in District Jammu by Dr. Rolly Sharma (RMNCHA consultant and District Nodal officer NVHCP), followed by PPT on Epidemiology, clinical features and treatment by Dr. Shri Ram (DNB Scholar) and key aspects on Prevention and control of Hepatitis by Dr. Ruchita Mahajan (Microbiologist Gandhi Nagar Hospital).
The event also witnessed the screening of High risk patients for Hepatitis Band Hepatitis C using Rapid Diagnostic kits. The healthcare staff members, unvaccinated against Hepatitis B were also administered Hepatitis B vaccine.
Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, in his speech, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and preventive measures to be taken through proper hygiene and timely vaccination to combat the spread of hepatitis viruses.
The CMO laid stress on the risk factors and encouraged regular screening to fight this silent disease.
The Day was also observed in health institutions of all Districts and Blocks of Jammu Division with active participation of Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and Block Medical Officers along with Officers & Officials. Awareness programmes regarding transmission and control of Hepatitis were organized for patients, General Public and students in schools and colleges.
Young students were made aware about safe injection practices, transmission of Hерatitis B and C by using unsafe needles and they were also made aware about risks of IV drug abuse. Hepatitis B vaccine was also given to staff members who were previously not vaccinated, in continuation to previous vaccination drives launched in different blocks. Stress was laid on immunization of newborn with Hepatitis B vaccine and role of Hepatitis B immunoglobulins for high risk infants and patients for prevention and management of Hepatitis B.
