IMPHAL, August 13: A one day sensitization programme in relation with World Hepatitis Day 2015 was held today organized by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) at its conference hall at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai today.
MNP+ president L Deepak Singh speaking at the function said that he is HIV positive and was also suffering from Hepatitis C.
He did his treatment for hepatitis C about five years ago. During those days the treatment charges cost around Rs 6 to 8 lakhs and took around a year`™s time, he said.
In January 2015, some new medicines were introduced in the market which cut down the treatment cost and treatment period considerably and now it is something around Rs 60,000 to 80,000 with a treatment period of only three to six months depending on the condition of the illness, he said.
He said the side effects of the new medicines are also minimal.
More than 10 generic pharmaceutical companies are offering different kinds of medicines for treatment of Hepatitis C. But it is upto the individual to choose which company they prefer, he added.
W Ajitshwor, who has completed his treatment for Hep C also shared his personal experience and even showed a demo of how to inject the medicine during the programme.
He said many people who are suffering from Hepatitis C have a misconception about the treatment and its side effects because many have lost their lives during the treatment in the past.
He said it is not an easy thing to undergo this treatment as one needs to be mentally prepared for the side effects.
There is a misconception among the Hepatitis infected people and they discourage each other to undergo the treatment fearing the side effects, he continued.
He said the patient will need atleast one person to support him or her during the treatment and for him his better half has always been a great support.
He said sometimes even doctors and nurses commit mistakes while administering medicines however he tries his best to co-operate with them by doing his own research and consulting with the doctors about his findings.
Due to the frequent bandh and strikes in the State he was push to learn how to inject the medicines by himself, he added.
However he advised the people who were present at the programme not to do self medication but instead always consult the doctors first.
Some side effects he mentioned include anaemia, physical pain, headache and diarrhoea.
However he said the side effects might not be the same with other patients.
He said he had worked for almost 20 years in the field of HIV/AIDS and now he is retired however he would like to extend his help if anyone wants to know more about the treatment.
He said he has a Facebook page where he posted all the details including pictures about his treatment.