AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, July 25, 2015 (PPI-OT): Chronic Liver disease are no more a big problem for the masses as hundreds of successful Liver transplant have become a ray of hope for the patients suffering with Liver disease in South Asia. This was stated by the World renowned Indian Liver Transplant expert Dr. A.S. Soin while addressing a seminar on “Awareness against – Hepatitis Epidemic” jointly organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liver Care Society of Pakistan here at the LCCI on Saturday.
LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz, Vice President Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, Health Advisor Khawaja Salman Rafique, Chairman Liver Care Society of Pakistan Anwar ul Hussain Alvi, Secretary Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority Dr. Muhammad Jafar Saleem and Dr. Israr ul Haq Toor also spoke on the occasion. Former LCCI presidents Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Mian Muzaffar Ali, former Vice President Aftab Ahmed Vohra and Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Soin said that it is very unfortunate that one out of every 13 adults is suffering from Liver disease. Some are suffering with Chronic Liver Disease and they should go to their doctor without any further delay as Hepatitis C that causes Liver disease sometimes worst than cancer that is now curable.
He said that he has done 108 Liver transplants of Pakistanis in India suffering from this disease and they are living a healthy life. He said that though in Pakistan the Liver transplantation is infancy but with the passage of time the situation will improve as Pakistan has a large number of world class doctors. He offered his services for Pakistani doctors who intend to get training for Liver transplantation.
Health Advisor Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Punjab Government is utilizing all resources to provide health facilities to the masses. He urged the LCCI and Lever Care Society of Pakistan to play their respective role to enhance cooperation between the medical fields of Pakistan and India.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry appreciates the services of Dr. A.S. Soin in the Liver transplant and would continue to supplement all such efforts aimed at mitigating the sufferings of ailing humanity.
Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that there is no doubt in it that Pakistan has doctors who have won world acclaim and days are not very far when patients needing Liver transplant would be treated at local hospitals. He said that the seminar is aimed at create awareness among the members of LCCI, medical professionals and general masses about the serious threats caused by Hepatitis Epidemic.
“Hepatitis has emerged as deadly disease that has threatened the health and life of the human race and has posed serious challenges for medical science. Although, the medical science has taken long journey in search of absolute cure for these diseases, however, concrete results are yet to be achieved in this regard”, the LCCI president said.
He said that carelessness or lack of awareness about taking certain safety measures becomes the main cause of getting affected with Hepatitis. Its virus is transmitted from one person to another by contaminated blood, foods, water or other drinks etc.
Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that other causes of infection transmission include usage of infected surgical instruments and sharing razors, toothbrushes and needles for body piercing, acupuncture or tattoos etc. He said that in third world countries, it is highly likely that due care is not taken and innocent people fall prey to this deadly virus. It seriously calls for creating awareness at a massive scale.
He said that tackling of problem and issue is not the responsibility of the government or the business community or NGOs alone. The only way to fight against such menace is to fight collectively and to rise successfully. Chairman of Lever Care Society Anwar ul Hussain Alvi said that at present 185 million people are suffering from Hepatitis while every 3.5 lakh died due to this disease. He stressed the need of planning to avert this disease.
The LCCI President said that the way exclusive hospitals are being built in Pakistan for cancer treatment, we also need to establish special hospitals for liver transplantation. He said that there are many patients in Pakistan who cannot avail medical facilities in India due to visa restrictions.
He said that frequent collaboration between Pakistani and Indian doctors can raise the knowledge base and exposure to its treatment. In this connection, we should seek some guidance from experts like Dr. Soin. Later, the LCCI Vice President Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi thanked the Dr. Soin for giving his participation.
For more information, contact:
Shahid Khalil
Information Department
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
11-Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Tijarat,
Lahore -54000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-222-499
Fax: +92-42-6368854