Experts call for mass screening to end Hepatitis B and C epidemic

Karachi: Senior gastroenterologists and haepatologists on Thursday demanded of the provincial and federal governments to launch a country-wide screening campaign to eliminate the Hepatitis B and C epidemic in the country

The experts observed that around 18 to 20 million people remain unaware of the disease and only approach healthcare facilities after their condition worsens.

“Pakistan ranks among world’s most high-risk countries with respect to Hepatitis B and C at the moment, and if no action is taken now, the treatable disease can claim a large number of lives in coming years,” observed Dr Shahid Ahmed, consultant gastroenterologist and Organiser of Pakistan Network of Liver and Gastroenterology (PNLG) at a press conference held at the local press club.

The presser was organised by the PNLG in connection with the World Hepatitis Day 2017, observed annually on July 28 across the globe. Dr Ahmed said Hepatitis B was completely preventable with vaccine, while Hepatitis C, however, not preventable by vaccine is completely treatable with oral medicines.

He announced that several public and private health institutions including Dow University of Health Sciences and Liaquat National Hospital will be holding a two-day free screening camp, starting Friday (today).

Dr Sajjid also announced holding a free screening camp by the PNLG at the press club on August 14 for working journalists and their families. He further urged other organisations to also hold such camps at schools, public offices and places to facilitate people in getting themselves screened for the infectious disease.

DUHS Registrar and gastroenterologist Dr Amanullah Abbassi said, “Both Hepatitis B and C spread from one person to another through exchange of blood, use of infected syringes and other medical equipment and utensils.”

He asked people should take precautionary measures and not use any other person’s instrument that includes skin contact such as blades, razors and syringes. Dr Sajjad Jamil of the Liaquat National Hospital said awareness was crucial in preventing Hepatitis B and C from being transmitted through infected blood and Hepatitis A and E. Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Nazish Butt of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre called for action against quack healers.

On the occasion, an awareness walk, held outside the press club, was attended by a good number of doctors and members of civil society to draw attention towards the dangers of the disease. Participants of the walk urged people to avoid excessive use of injections and drips, get themselves screened for Hepatitis B and C and adopt healthy practices.

Dr Lubna Kamani of the Liaquat National Hospital, Dr Muhammad Shoaib of the Memon Medical Institute, Dr Shahid Mahmood of the National Medical Centre, Dr Hafeezullah and Dr Zahid Azam of the DUHS and Dr Mukesh Kumar of the Liaquat College of Dentistry and Medicine also spoke at the event among other specialists and hepatologists.