Surge in hepatitis cases rings alarms

Fauji Colony reports 231 positive cases of hepatitis B and C

RAWALPINDI:

There has been a disturbing rise in hepatitis cases in the densely populated Union Council No. 8, Fauji Colony, Rawalpindi, with 231 positive cases of Hepatitis B and C recorded so far.

Numerous beauty parlours, barber shops, and unauthorised medical clinics, masquerading as treatment centres for various ailments, are spreading hepatitis in the area. Fauji Colony, mostly inhabited by migrants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has 15-20 individuals residing in each house, and many children spend their days on the streets.

According to a report by the Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention Program (LHEAP) in Fauji Colony, 2,329 homes were visited for hepatitis diagnosis. The survey screened and tested 5,164 individuals, revealing 39 positive cases of hepatitis B, 188 positive cases of hepatitis C, and four patients diagnosed with both hepatitis B and C. Additionally, one pregnant woman was found to be suffering from both Hepatitis B and C.

The alarming rise in hepatitis cases is attributed to several factors, including a blatant disregard for hygiene rules. The densely populated residential areas lack access to clean drinking water, open sewers flowing with sewage, and an abundance of quack doctors, beauty parlours, and barber shops. Despite this, the District Health Authority (DHA) has not taken full action against these sources of infection.

When contacted, LHEAP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ansar Ishaq expressed concern over the unusually high rate of hepatitis exposure in Fauji Colony. He attributed this to a lack of adherence to hygiene rules and emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to eliminating hepatitis-spreading sources, including quack doctors, beauty parlours, and barber shops, from the area. Dr. Ishaq stressed that the DHA and other relevant forums must conduct an “Operation Clean Up.”

District Health Officer of the DHA, Dr Ehsan Ghani, said that a crackdown is underway against quack doctors and unregistered clinics, beauty parlours, and barber shops, with several clinics already sealed. Efforts are also being made to raise awareness among citizens about the causes of hepatitis and how to prevent them.