Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 28
As Nagaland observed the World Hepatitis Day along with the rest of the world, concerns have been raised on the alarming prevalence of viral Hepatitis in Nagaland and the negligence of the State Government in addressing the epidemic.
"The Health Department has failed the patients of Nagaland by not providing any sort of treatment and care support. We still continue to count bodies, and those few lucky ones who are able to undergo treatment had to face hardships due to lack of improper testing and diagnosis facilities and also having to pay for the exorbitant price for their treatment," Ketho Angami, health activists and former president of Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) observed on Saturday.
This remark was made during the observation of World Hepatitis Day jointly organized by NSACS, NUN and Kirpa Foundation at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on Saturday.
In spite of the government being aware of the high disease burden, the Health Department have remained a mute listener and for which IDSP and NHM have to be held accountable for the increase of new infections and every Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) related deaths, Angami alleged.
The health activists also informed that Nagaland is not included in the National Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control program which was launched today. He said the absence of Nagaland in the program is because of the failure of the policy makers in Nagaland to advocate at the national level and also the failure of the NHM to propose such programs in their Annual Action Plan (AAP).
Angami recalled how in the past, health activists and various NGOs have pushed the burning agenda and flagged the need for the Government of Nagaland to start initiating certain programs, but to no avail.
"We cannot continue to let people die because of the lack of leadership and commitment from the government and the Health Department," asserted Angami while remarking that health should not be a luxury and it is the prerogative of the government to provide basic healthcare services.
Ignorance, poor accessibility of treatment, diagnosis
Focusing on the treatment issues of Viral Hepatitis in Nagaland, Dr. Kejavisa Savino, MO, Oking Hospital, Kohima stated that ignorance, attitude, superstitions, poor accessibility of tests, treatments and diagnosis and lack of support are major problems of treating people with Hepatitis in Nagaland.
With the symptoms of Hepatitis less severe compared to other illness, Dr. Savino mentioned that many Nagas only realize the gravity of the disease when it reaches the last stage, and therefore the knowledge of the disease needs to be spread.
Further, according to the medical specialist, the realization for the need of treatment is delayed because of the laid back attitude. Another major problem for treatment is the superstitious beliefs of Nagas where families, relatives, friends often suggests alternative and unsafe recommendations such as local quacks, prayer houses etc.
The access to tests and treatments for Hepatitis in Nagaland still remains very poor, as Dr. Savino stated, "Our health status is still very low with many district hospitals and health centers being neglected. Many people from rural areas are not able to even afford the tests."
Sharing from experiences with Hepatitis patients, Dr Savino pointed out that patients are not able to go for treatments because of the high costs. While patients in the capital are relatively well off, Dr Savino noted that people coming from rural backgrounds are the ones facing the real issue of treatment.
Further, Dr. Savino pointed out that prevention, follow-up and diagnoses are critical issues that need to be addressed. While encouraging the students at the gathering to get themselves vaccinated and educate themselves of the disease, Dr. Savino advised youngsters to have stable partners and have safe sexual practices.
Guest speaker for the event was Dr. Tokuho Chishi, Director, Family Welfare, Directorate of Health and Family welfare while the keynote address was delivered by Metevino Sakhrie, NSACS.
A personal story of living with Hepatitis and the journey towards cure was shared by Temjen. Renbothung, Program Officer, Kripa Foundation also spoke on the challenges and concerns of Hepatitis in Nagaland. The program was also followed by an interactive session with Bendang Imsong as the facilitator.
