‘Over 20 million hepatitis patients in Pakistan’

LAHORE:According to the World Health Organisation, Pakistan ranks first globally in the spread of hepatitis C. To combat this treatable disease, the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) organised a free hepatitis screening camp and an awareness walk on ‘World Hepatitis Day.’

The aim of this walk was to educate the general public about preventive measures to avoid hepatitis disease. Medical professionals, hospital staff, and people from various walks of life participated in the walk.

Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute Dean Prof Faisal Dar, Hospital Director Dr Faisal Amir, Medical Director Dr Mobeen Chaudhry, and Chairman of Gastroenterology Dr Usman Iqbal Aujla, along with other hospital staff, participated in this walk.

Dr Usman Iqbal Aujla stated that only 20% of those affected by hepatitis C and 9% of those living with hepatitis B are aware of their condition in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of screening. Viral hepatitis has become the deadliest health threat in Pakistan, causing approximately 150,000 deaths annually.

Over 20 million people in Pakistan are affected by hepatitis B and C, constituting more than 9% of the country's population. PKLI Dean Prof Dr Faisal Dar commended the PM’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, stating that the government's initiative for free screening of hepatitis B and C would help people know if they are affected, as most are unaware until they become chronic patients and require liver transplants. Early treatment through hepatitis screening can prevent liver failure and transplants, which are not feasible for such a large number.

Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute continues to perform major surgeries such as liver and kidney transplants, laser surgeries for stone removal, liver resections, and bladder tumour surgeries successfully, along with robotic surgeries.

Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute has provided over 4.5 million services to patients, including more than 10,000 successful major and minor surgeries, 829 kidney transplants, and 710 liver transplants.

Notably, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute is the only hospital in the country performing liver transplants for children under five years of age, with over 80 pediatric liver transplants and 40 kidney transplants conducted so far. About 75% of patients at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute receive treatment free-of-charge or at reduced costs.