Additional Collector Dr. Kiranmayi calls for coordinated action, expanded screening, vaccination, and public awareness across the district.
RANGA REDDY, JULY 3 (The Journalist Post): A district-level review meeting on the implementation of prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) was held at the Integrated District Offices Complex (IDOC), Kongara Kalan, under the chairmanship of Additional Collector Dr. Kiranmayi, IAS.
The meeting was attended by District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr. D. Swarna Kumari, Additional DMHO Dr. Y. Paparao, NVHCP Programme Officer Dr. Ch. Rakesh, District Immunization Officer (DIO), District Tuberculosis Control Officer (DTCO), Programme Officer (MCH), Deputy DMHOs, programme officers from various health initiatives, superintendents of district hospitals including Dr. Sudhakar Bandari, In-charge Superintendent of Kondapur District Hospital, representatives from the Thalassemia Society, Sickle Cell Society, SE RWS, the District Education Department, transgender, MSW and FSW community representatives, and other officials.
Addressing the meeting, Additional Collector Dr. Kiranmayi stressed the need for greater convergence among the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Maternal and Child Health Programme, and AIDS Control Programme to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis.
She directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns across the district, expand Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C screening using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, and ensure prompt treatment for all individuals who test positive.
The Additional Collector also instructed officials to ensure complete Hepatitis-B vaccination coverage for high-risk groups, particularly healthcare workers. She called for intensified screening, vaccination drives, and special medical camps in high-risk areas and vulnerable communities.
The District Education Officer (DEO) was directed to create awareness on viral hepatitis, its modes of transmission, prevention, and risk behaviours during school assemblies and Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) across the district.
Further, RBSK teams were instructed to conduct awareness sessions in schools focusing on healthy lifestyles, prevention of risky behaviours among adolescents, transmission of viral hepatitis, and preventive healthcare practices.
Emphasising the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat, Dr. Kiranmayi urged all government departments, voluntary organisations, and partner agencies to work in close coordination to achieve the district’s public health objectives.