QUETTA:The number of hepatitis B and C patients in Balochistan is increasing rapidly, a concerted effort and preventive measures are needed to eradicate this disease completely, said Assistant Professor Gastroenterology, Bolan Medical Complex Quetta Dr. Dawood Ghilzai at the free hepatitis screening camp organized at BMC Hospital Quetta on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, here Saturday.
Dr. Dawood Ghilzai said that hepatitis was a big problem for Pakistan because it was a silent killer, it was increasing due to non-diagnosis and lack of symptoms causing deaths.
Emphasizing on awareness of the disease at the public level, he said that apart from promoting preventive measures, mass screening and testing should be ensured.
According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan has the highest number of hepatitis patients worldwide. Medical experts said hepatitis can be caused by the use of used syringes, blood transfusions or cuts from razor blades during shaving.
They warned that never use items that have other people’s blood on them and always use disposable razors, blades and other items.
They said injection should be administered by a licensed practitioner and use unused disposable needles/syringes.
According to experts, ear and nose piercings should be performed by using sterile instruments and always use screened blood to ensure that the blood is free of hepatitis virus.
