ALIGARH May 19: “Chronic Hepatitis is like termite infestation of liver", said Dr. M. R. Ajmal, In charge of Gastro Enterology Clinic, Department of Medicine, J. N. Medical Coillege, Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Ajmal was speaking at a programme organized to observe the World Hepatitis Day that falls on 19th May every year. The programme was organized to increase public awareness regarding Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C virus infection.
Prof. Ajmal said that Hepatitis-B virus infection is most serious health problem affecting more than 2 billion people worldwide with mortality of 0.5 - 1.2 million every year. He said that although effective vaccines against Hepatitis-B is available since 1982 there are still more than 350 million chronic carriers of which 75% reside in Asia-Pacific region. India contribute nearly 10% carriers to the world. Nearly one million HBV infections are added to Hepatitis-B pool in India yearly contributing to its rapid expansion.
Prof. Ajmal exhorted that chronic Hepatitis may be asymptomatic, therefore a high level of suspicion is required to detect the disease early. The high risk group cases like health workers, relatives of chronic hepatitis patients, persons with unsafe, multiple sex partners, kidney disease patients on dialysis, persons getting frequent blood transfusion must be screened for hepatitis infection. Extra precaution should be taken at the time of Nose/Ear piercing, Tattooing and at barber's shop. Effective vaccination against Hepatitis A & B is available at affordable cost. He said that treatment for chronic Hepatitis B & C is suitably available in injectable and oral forms.
The banners and posters at important places were used for mass awareness. The handbills and booklets were also distributed at J.N. Medical College Hospital OPDs. Prof. Ajmal said that screening camps for Hepatitis-B/ Hepatitis- C virus infection are also planned to make the awareness programme more effective. Anyone who wish to seek more information may contact Dr. M. R. Ajmal, G.E. Clinic, OPD-22 on any Saturday at J. N. Medical College Hospital.
Prof. M. Ashraf Malik, Principal and CMS, JNMC also expressed his views while Prof. S. Abrar Hasan, Dean Faculty of Medicine proposed vote of thanks. A large number of faculty members and SR, JR were also present.
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