The prevalence of hepatitis B and C is found very high in India and nearly 70 lakh people are affected by both the diseases in Andhra Pradesh alone.

In the studies conducted at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology for the last five years, it has been found that 5-7 per cent of the general population in the state of AP is carrying hepatitis B virus and around 2 per cent is infected with hepatitis C virus.

Of all the hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous, killing lakhs of people all over the country, according to Dr DN Nageshwar Reddy, chief Gastroenterologist, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad.

These viruses can give raise to acute jaundice, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and ultimately leading to death.

Hepatitis B and C can be prevented and cured completely if detected at early stage. Both these viruses are transmitted by blood, body fluids, infectious needles and close contact with infected person.

It has been identified through research that the country has a serious problem with regard to liver diseases, and is also evident that the diseases can be prevented by proper screening, identifying the individuals, vaccinating the potential high- risk patients and treating those who are infected very early.

The Institute, which is considered Asia's largest centre for treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, is conducting free screening and counseling camp for hepatitis B and C from May 5 to May 15 at Hyderabad.

All the individuals will be screened free of cost through sophisticated Elisa technique, in its state-of-the-art liver lab in the institute. Positive patients will be counseled for further treatment, free of cost. Liver specialists, gastroenterolgists, biochemists, pathologists, immunologists are going to conduct the camp.

The cost of the camp, which is estimated at Rs 20 lakh, is being funded by Asian Health Care Foundation, a charity organization affiliated to the Institute, Dr Reddy informed.