BGS Global Hospitals in association with Integrated Liver Care (ILC) Foundation launched the ‘Bengaluru Hepatitis Project’ an on-going survey to collect data on hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections among the urban population.
ILC Foundation has conducted the study which revealed that one in 50 in Bengaluru have hepatitis B and one in 200 have hepatitis C. These findings were the outcome of free hepatitis screening camps organised in various areas in the city.
The results are indicative of the magnitude of the disease burden and to sound an alert to the people to take preventive measures for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections.
“About three crore people in India have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, far higher than the prevalence of HIV or any cancer. However chronic viral hepatitis does not have the level of awareness seen with other communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” said Dr Mathew Jacob, senior consultant, Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgery, BGS Global Hospitals.
According to Dr Sonal Asthana, head, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Multi Organ Transplantation, BGS Global Hospitals, said that there is a high incidence of hepatitis B viral infection reported from the rural Karnataka. The aim of this study carried out in partnership with the Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA), an NGO working with the urban poor in Bengaluru as well as the Bengaluru police was to assess the prevalence of the infections in different socio economic groups. The screening camps conducted helped raise awareness, provided access to testing and treatment. This is an ongoing project and we propose to screen and vaccinate around 20,000 people over a period of the next one year.”
Paramedical staff and technicians from BGS Global Hospitals carry out free screening tests for detection of hepatitis B and C with a blood sample on the spot. The person is counselled about the results and if found negative, offered vaccination at a subsidized cost. These vaccinations are subsidised by the ILC foundation. Those who are found to be positive are recommended to seek early treatment.
Presenting the first phase of the survey results, Dr Kaiser Raja, chief hepatologist, BGS Global Hospitals said, “Eight screening camps covering a total population of 1918 individuals have been conducted in the last five weeks.”
Dr N K Venkataramana, vice-chairman and chief neurosurgeon, BGS Global Hospitals said, “Through this survey the task on hand is evident, it is the collective responsibility of every individual to be aware of the disease and take preventive measures. It is in your hands to be safe from hepatitis.”