Srinagar, July 29 :
Jammu and Kashmir has 34.89 percent Hepatitis-C Seroprevalence and Seropositivity, over a 1 percent more than the National Average, officials said.
The National average of Hepatitis-C
J&K has 34.89 pc Hepatitis-C
Seroprevalence and Seropositivity is 33.41 while as Jammu and Kashmir alone having a high Hepatitis- C 34.89 percent including IDUs (Induced drug users), said Mission Director, National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir Nazim Zai Khan here on Monday.
Khan said this during the inauguration of screening camp for Hepatitis B and C at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital Srinagar on the eve of “World Hepatitis Day-2024”.
Speaking on the occasion, Khan gave a brief description about the severity of viral hepatitis and how it has become a major Public Health challenge which needs to be redressed at all levels.
The MD also gave a brief description about the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-B and C in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed his concern over the high rate of Hepatitis- C in Jammu and Kashmir.
The MD stressed upon the medical fraternity to tackle this grave public health challenge of such huge magnitude with utmost dedication and generate mass awareness among the high risk categories like blood/organ donors/recipients, patients on haemodialysis, Pregnant Women, prisoners, Induced drug users (IDUs) etc.
The MD spoke about the importance of strengthening of Regulatory Bodies viz. National Level/ State Level/District Level for implementation of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP). MD, NHM, J&K assured that a regular supply chain of medicines and testing materials will be maintained for ensuring proper treatment to the patients.
On the occasion screening of several beneficiaries by the Department of Microbiology was held at JLNM Hospital Srinagar also.
Similar kind of Screening Camps were organised by the National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services, Jammu/Kashmir across various districts of J&K.
