To raise awareness about Viral Hepatitis and mark the observance of World Hepatitis Day, the District Health Society Doda organized a mega awareness programme on Hepatitis at Government Medical College Doda, here today. With this year’s theme ‘Its Time For Action’, the programmes was conducted by DHS Doda for accelerating the hepatitis awareness, which was attended by a large gathering of BMOs, Doctors, Paramedical Staff from each Medical Blocks including the faculty (HODs) of Government Medical College Doda besides Nursing and MBBS Students.
Deputy Commissioner Doda (Chairman DHS Doda),Harvinder Singh along with Principal GMC, Dr Rakesh Bahl, CMO, Dr Om Kumar and Chief Accounts Officer GMC, Mohd Iqbal Ganai, Retd. Principal Higher Education Department, Prof Zaheer Abass Hashmi graced the programme. CMO welcomed the guests and informed participants about the importance of World Hepatitis Day.
He emphasized the importance of educating people about risks associated with Hepatitis disease and promoting preventive measures. The programme was initiated with the speeches of different Guest Speakers including Dr Nazir Ahmed War (Deptt. of Microbiology GMC Doda), Dr Yashika Sheetal (Deptt. of Gynecology), Dr Ahmar Javed Azad (Deptt. of Medicine) and Dr Sangeeta Kotwal (Deptt. of Pedratrics), highlighted the significant public health implications of Hepatitis.
They made the audience aware about Hepatitis viruses and the diseases caused by these viruses in general and the target groups viz high risk patients and health care providers including residents, Nurses, Technicians along with patients who are frequently exposed to blood or blood products. The event also featured a symposium competition attended by five students from different Medical / Paramedical Nursing Colleges, who were awarded certificates of participation and mementos.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC lauded the efforts of the CMO Doda and his team in organizing such health awareness programmes for the benefit of the general public. Principal extended gratitude to DHS Doda for organizing the awareness program in GMC, adding that the day was an opportunity for all to get a detailed knowledge about Hepatitis – its causes, prevention, treatment and care.
At the end of the programme, a detailed discussion cum question answering session was also held, wherein the audience raised various queries related to the topic which was on spot cleared by the Guest Speakers. On this occasion, a mega screening camp was also organized in which more than hundred health care workers and the general public were screened by the health team against Hepatitis B and C.