VIJAYAWADA: On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, Save the Liver Foundation is offering free screening tests for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C to people in the Telugu States. According to the organisation, 3-4 per cent of people in Andhra Pradesh are either suffering with Hepatitis B or with Hepatitis C. The latter is more prevalent in Palakollu and Amalapuram towns.
Dr K.S. Somasekhar Rao, Founder of Save the Liver Foundation, unveiled the free screening test along with Dr Somasekhar Rao, Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao former minister of State to mark the World Hepatitis Day.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Somasekhar said they would be announcing locations for the tests based on prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in both the States. To achieve a world free from viral hepatitis, our foundation is educating people through awareness programmes. People who want to go for screening and treatment in the Telugu states can call on 94929 48899 or 738277 8899, he said.
“We have come together as a community to raise awareness of the disease and take steps, even as individuals, to beat the viral hepatitis. Untreated Chronic Hepatitis Viruses (Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) can lead to cirrhosis of liver and liver cancer. The State government should also take steps towards increasing awareness about these viruses,” said Dr Somasekhar.