In a significant step towards combating hepatitis, a program was organized at AIIMS Bhopal on Monday in connection with World Hepatitis Day. On this occasion a liver gallery was inaugurated within the hospital premises by Executive Director Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh. Various posters and informational materials were displayed in liver gallery to raise awareness about hepatitis among the attendees.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Singh emphasized the critical need for increased awareness about hepatitis and stressed the importance of prioritizing prevention over treatment. He highlighted the significance of early-stage testing for timely intervention and treatment. Prof. Singh also announced that all employees of AIIMS Bhopal would receive free vaccinations to prevent hepatitis, underscoring the institution's commitment to the health and well-being of its staff. He announced that not only doctors but nursing staff ward attendants, cleaning staff and students will also be vaccinated against Hepatitis B in this vaccination drive. Dr Singh has announced that we will upgrade this centre to Hepatitis care centre so that we can focus on preventive aspects also along with treatment aspects.
During the event, Prof. Singh personally interacted with patients, distributed fruits and inquired about their well-being, demonstrating AIIMS Bhopal's holistic approach to patient care.
Nodal officer Dr Abhishek Singhai presented progress report of hepatitis treatment centre in this event. He informed that 336 Hepatitis B and 101 hepatitis C patients are registered in this centre and they are getting free medicines and following up them regularly. He informed that we have advance machines like viral load testing machine and Fibroscan which are required in hepatitis management.
The program also featured a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Rajnish Joshi, Head of the General Medicine Department and Dean (Academics). Dr. Joshi outlined the new initiatives and urged the judicious use of available resources. He announced that AIIMS Bhopal would provide complete solutions including diagnostics and therapeutics to viral hepatitis patients furthering the institution's commitment to accessible healthcare.
In addition to these significant announcements, a poster competition on hepatitis awareness was conducted and healthcare workers working in national viral hepatitis control program were felicitated. The event witnessed active participation from a large number of faculty members, residents, nursing staff, and other hospital personnel.