Health Dept observes World Hepatitis Day at Govt School in Ferozepur
Ferozepur, July 28, 2026: District-level World Hepatitis Day was observed at Government Senior Secondary School, Khyai Pheme Ki, under the guidance of Civil Surgeon Dr. Meenakshi Dhingra, with the health department conducting an awareness programme for students and teachers.
Addressing the gathering, Medical Officer Dr. Manmeet Singh said hepatitis is a viral liver disease which can become serious and life-threatening if not detected and treated in time. He said the Punjab Government provides treatment for Hepatitis B and C at 22 government hospitals, three government medical colleges, two sub-divisional hospitals, 13 ART centres and 11 OST centres. All tests and treatment for Hepatitis C are provided free of cost.
District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma and Dy MMO Ankush Bhandari explained that hepatitis is mainly of four types—A, B, C and E. Hepatitis A and E can spread through contaminated water and food and poor hand hygiene. Symptoms may include mild fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, liver damage and dark yellow urine.
They said Hepatitis B and C, commonly referred to as “black jaundice”, can spread through sharing contaminated needles, infected blood transfusions, unsafe tattooing and prolonged dialysis. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, yellow urine and liver damage, while chronic infection can lead to liver cancer.
Amarjeet, SI, Mamdot, advised people against sharing needles, using unsafe tattoo equipment, or sharing toothbrushes and razors. He also stressed regular medical check-ups and the use of properly tested blood from authorised government blood banks whenever required.
School Principal Satinderjit Kaur, Suresh Kumar, Ritu and Multi-Purpose Health Worker Deep Singh were also present.