Health Minister A. K. Ghatani attended the Global event of World Hepatitis Day

Mumbai:  Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri A. K. Ghatani attended the Global event of World Hepatitis Day (28th July) organized by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India in collaboration with the World Health Organization on Thursday.

On the occasion Mr. Ghatani submitted a priority list of demands of Health Departments to the Union Minister of  State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India Ms. Anupriya Patel here at JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai on Thursday evening.

While submitting the demands, Mr. Ghantani acknowledged Ms. Anupriya Patel on the prioritized projects of the state govt. including Construction of 300 bedded Chest, Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Hospital at Bharikhola on Melli Jorethang Road; Upgradation of 100 bedded District Hospital to 300 bedded Hospital at Namchi, South Sikkim; Upgradation of Pakyong PHC to 50 bedded CHC, East Sikkim; Upgradation of Jorethang PHC to 100 bedded CHC, South Sikkim; Construction of 300 bedded District Hospital at Chisopani Singtam East Sikkim.  Ms. Anupriya patel also complimented Sikkim as an inspiration for the nation in Organic Farming when she was presented with organic products along with a magazine of Sikkim Today, a publication of IPR deptt by Mr Ghatani.  

The event was organized with the global theme “Know Hepatitis, Act Now” which would help in understanding the magnitude of the problem and identify the way forward on prevention and control of Hepatitis.

Minister Anupriya patel highlighted on the Mission Indradhanus under which children are being vaccinated against various types of diseases and so far 7.6 million children have been covered under this mission. Referring to the statement made by different speakers earlier, She assured that the union govt. has shown keen interest to combat viral Hepatitis with complete consciousness and seriousness and also planning to allocate separate budget to ensure universal coverage.

The keynote speaker, Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan also delighted the event with his magnificent deliberation. Minister Ghatani also invited Bachchan and urged him to expose the beauty of Sikkim in Bollywood Industry while presenting organic items and the state govt`s publication Sikkim Today. Mr. Bachchan also expressed gratitude over the achievements of Sikkim in Organic Farming.  In his address, Mr. Bachchan encouraged people to go for blood test at least to be aware on the fact of blood containing, so that it can be cured in initial stages. He articulated his incident of being infected with Hepatitis in early 80s and was cured even when his lever was 75% damaged. He further committed to contribute immensely to prevent Viral Hepatitis.

  

Regional Director of WHO South East Asia Region Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh also applauded the initiatives of Sikkim govt for being first state to start Hepatitis B vaccination in infants  as a universal immunization programme free of cost and successfully continuing since 2001.

The programme was also attended by Ministers from various states, Director General Health Services GoI, representatives from World Hepatitis Alliance, UK and other dignitaries.