Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Thursday marked World Hepatitis Day by holding a seminar.

Dr. Munira Zafar, President, Association of Fatima Jinnah Old Graduates (AFJOG) was the Chief Guest. Dr Sameer Shafi, from the USA, also joined this event as a Special Guest.

A detailed discussion on Hepatitis B or C virus infection, such as facts, findings, precautions and prevention was held in the Seminar.

Prof. Arshad Kamal Butt, Ex-Professor of Gastroenterology – Hepatology, SZMC, Dr Muhammad Ayub, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, SGRH, Dr Shazia Sibghatullah, SWMO and MOPD Liver Clinic, SGRH and other speakers addressed in the Seminar.

Dr Munir Ahmed, President, Punjab Health Foundation and Prof. Dr Muniza Qayyum, Dean, Undergraduates, FJMU, were also present on this occasion.

Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Prof. Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, thanked all the Organizers and the Speakers and said that such types of seminars are very significant to prevent diseases such as hepatitis. However, it is also very important for prevention and treatment.

The speakers said that every day in Pakistan, about 100 people die due to Hepatitis B or C. Every one in ten people in Pakistan is infected with Hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis B or C can be three times more fatal than AIDS.

Hepatitis B or C is spread by injecting a single needle (syringe) into multiple people, contaminated needles (syringes) or other medical equipment, blood infected with hepatitis B and C. A newborn baby is infected with hepatitis B from a mother infected with hepatitis B, through the use of non-screening blood and through the use of other's toothbrush.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting and stomach pain. If a person has suffered from Hepatitis B, it is compulsory for everyone in the house to be tested and vaccinated.

Preventive measures for Hepatitis B and C infection are, always use new sealed needle (syringe), avoid the use of contaminated or unnecessary needles (syringes) or other medical equipment, transfusion of screened blood, avoid unnecessary injections and drips, always use a new blade or razor every time you visit a barber shop, avoid tattooing and also avoid the use of others toothbrush.

Treatment of Hepatitis B is long-term and difficult, but life-long protection is possible by getting its vaccination. But Hepatitis C can be treated within three to six months with its prescribed medicines.

At the end of the Seminar, Prof. Dr. Shamsa Hamayun, Pro-Vice Chancellor, FJMU presented vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, Organizers, Speakers and all the participants. An awareness walk was also organized at the end of Seminar.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical University shared his views about  this seminar that such types of awareness  seminars on Hepatitis and other preventable diseases will be conducted at Fatima Jinnah Medical University and the best medical and quality healthcare facilities will be provided to the patients.