World Hepatitis Day observed in Khliehriat

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 28, 2022

World Hepatitis Day on the theme “Bringing Care Closer to You- Hepatitis Can’t Wait” was observed on Thursday at OST Centre, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, East Jaintia Hills District.

Organized by the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat wherein Dr. Dominic Shylla, District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat attended the programme as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dominic Shylla said that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and it is very contagious. He also said that out of the 5 types of Hepatitis (‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, and ‘E’), Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ are more severe however, they are preventable by a vaccine (hepatitis ‘B’ vaccine) and can be treated through medication, and he informed that testing for the disease can be done in every health Institution in Hospitals, CHCs and PHCs”.

The District Medical and Health Officer further stated that hepatitis is transmitted when a person comes in contact with blood and body fluid from an infected person or ingestion of contaminated food and water. “Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver function and to prevent hepatitis infection, we should take proper care of our health by getting vaccinated against hepatitis, testing, practicing good hand hygiene, and consuming a clean and healthy diet”, he added. 

Dr. J Nongtdu, Medical Officer, OST Centre, Khliehriat Civil Hospital in his speech said that viral hepatitis is caused by a virus that causes inflammation and infection to the liver. He also stated that injecting drug users are the high-risk groups who are vulnerable to getting infected, as hepatitis also spreads through sharing of needles used by an infected person.

Speaking on the theme “Bringing Care Closer to You- Hepatitis Can’t Wait”, he said hepatitis testing, care, and treatment are now closer to the people and he informed that diagnostics tests and treatments are also available at Khliehriat Civil Hospital.  

Others who also spoke were, Ariston Dhar, DPM, NHM, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, and Sophia D. Dkhar, PHN, NHM, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat.