Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - DC Rajesh Sharma stresses early detection, prevention of viral hepatitis
KATHUA: As part of the observance of World Hepatitis Day 2026, the District Health Society Kathua, in collaboration with the District Jail Kathua, organised an awareness programme and Hepatitis B & C screening camp for inmates at the District Jail under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, the chief guest, inaugurated the screening camp. Among those present were Chief Medical Officer Kathua Vijay Raina, Superintendent District Jail Kathua Mohinder Paul and officers of the Health Department.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of early screening, timely diagnosis and treatment in eliminating viral hepatitis. He said Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are serious liver infections primarily transmitted through infected blood, unsafe injections, sharing of contaminated needles and unsterilised medical equipment. He urged people to adopt safe health practices, undergo timely screening and avail Hepatitis B vaccination.
Emphasising the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the DC said that sharing contaminated needles among injecting drug users significantly increases the risk of Hepatitis B and C transmission. He appealed to the inmates to stay away from drugs. CMO Vijay Raina and other health experts sensitised the inmates on the symptoms, transmission, prevention and free treatment available under the programme.
As part of the district-wide observance, similar screening and awareness camps were organised at Holding Centre Hiranagar, Nari Niketan Kathua, Bal Ashram Kathua, Municipal Corporation Kathua, Mind Care Psychiatric Clinic Kalibari and all health institutions across the district. A total of 375 individuals were screened and all reactive cases were linked to the NVHCP for confirmatory testing and further treatment.