Govt taking pro-active steps to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A in Bandipora: Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on monday informed the Legislative Assembly that Health and Family Welfare has taken several prompt and comprehensive measures to control and prevent the spread of Hepatitis A in Arin block of Bandipora.
Responding to the calling attention motion moved my MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, minister said that the situation is being continuously monitored by the Health Department, in coordination with the District Administration and the Jal Shakti Department.
“A surveillance mechanism has been put in place to ensure timely reporting and response to any fresh case,” she said.
She informed the House that after receiving the information of the infectious disease, the field teams and District Surveillance Unit Bandipora visited the affected areas, and it was found that the cases were sporadic in nature with a scattered pattern and no clustering of cases was established from any particular area.
The minister further said that these areas are being monitored by the field teams and preventive measures were set in the form of extensive IEC activities at multiple levels coupled with microbiological water analysis.
She said that District Public Health Lab is completely functional at DH Bandipora and 166 Blood Samples were tested for Viral Hepatitis. She also said that 93 water samples were tested from area of concern and the report was shared with the PHE Department for necessary action.
Minister further said that in coordination with the Jal Shakti Department, all local water sources have been inspected and samples taken for quality testing.
“Public awareness drives have been launched to educate residents about maintaining personal hygiene, boiling drinking water, and avoiding open defecation,” the minister said.
Minister further said that medical camps have been organized in the affected and adjoining villages to ensure early detection and treatment of new cases. “Adequate stock of medicines and diagnostic kits has been supplied to the local health institutions. Special emphasis has been laid on educating school children and community groups about preventive measures,” She added.