CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Workshop Organized at BMHRC on World Hepatitis Day On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, a workshop was held at BMHRC. This day is celebrated on the birthday of Nobel laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus, to honor his contributions.
It is noteworthy that BMHRC has been providing free treatment to gas-affected patients for the past 25 years. With BMHRC being designated under the National Control Program, non-gas-affected patients will also now have access to lifelong free treatment for Hepatitis, including expensive tests like HBV DNA and HCV RNA, vaccinations, and medications.
Addressing the event, Dr. Manisha Srivastava, the in-charge of the institute, mentioned that the WHO’s theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is “It’s Time for Action.” This emphasizes the need for more action and less talk in this field. The WHO estimates that many people worldwide suffer from chronic Hepatitis B and C, with most being unaware of their infection and unknowingly spreading the virus. This increases their risk of developing severe long-term liver disease and unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. Vaccination for Hepatitis prevention is now available, and free medications and tests are also becoming accessible. Blood tests before donation are crucial to prevent the spread of this disease. Fatty liver, a symptom related to Hepatitis, can be caused by genetic factors and increased cholesterol. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic individuals can suffer from fatty liver. Awareness and timely testing and treatment are essential for protection.
Dr. Meenu Bajpai from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi provided detailed information through her presentation. She explained that Hepatitis viruses are classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E. All Hepatitis viruses can cause acute liver infection and inflammation, but Hepatitis B, C, and D can also lead to chronic Hepatitis. Viral Hepatitis B and C are major health challenges and primary causes of liver cancer.
Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay, a nephrologist, highlighted the need for extra precautions due to the rapid spread of Hepatitis among dialysis patients and emphasized the importance of vaccination for pregnant women. Efforts to combat viral Hepatitis should focus on raising awareness, improving prevention through vaccination, safe sexual practices, and safe injection practices, and ensuring equitable access to testing and treatment for those in need.
The workshop also included a group discussion with participants such as Dr. Meenu Bajpai, Dr. Sachin Gupta, Dr. Saransh Jain, Dr. Pranav Raghuvanshi, Deputy Director Dr. Ruby Khan from the National Health Mission, and Dr. Jitendra Malik.
Awards were given to the winners of the essay competition organized by the Nephrology Department on this occasion.