Sealdah Division Observes World Hepatitis Day
Kolkata: World Hepatitis Day is observed globally to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer. Approximately 304 million people are infected with Hepatitis B and C worldwide. Viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths per year. The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2024 is “It’s Time for Action.”
B.R. Singh Hospital, Sealdah, observed World Hepatitis Day to raise public awareness for eliminating viral hepatitis and to encourage stronger commitment to combat the growing threat of the disease. The session was attended by Dr. Gautam Roy, a renowned gastroenterologist, who discussed the causes, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis. He mentioned that only 45% of babies receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth globally. The session was also graced by Dr. Subhankar Home, Chief Medical Superintendent of BRSH, who emphasized accelerating action for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes. He stated, “We can make hepatitis elimination a reality.”
The event included a thought-provoking interactive quiz contest conducted by Dr. Kalpana Mondal. At the end of the session, tokens of appreciation were distributed to audience members who actively participated in the quiz contest.
The enriching discussion session, followed by the quiz contest, was a grand success with the spontaneous participation of doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, and railway medical beneficiaries. It was indeed an enlightening session for all the participants.
