“We are not waiting, one liver is equal to one life”
On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak, in collaboration with various departments, held a special event at Sushruta Auditorium to raise awareness about hepatitis and its prevention and treatment. The event, which took place on the 28th of July from 10 am to 12 pm, saw an impressive gathering of medical professionals, students from various medical courses, and members of the public, all united in their efforts to combat this global health challenge.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Prof. Anita Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of PGIMS, Prof. H.K. Aggarwal, Registrar of PGIMS, Dr. S.S Lohchab, Director of PGIMS, Dr. Gajendra Singh, DSW & Principal SDPGIPS, and other faculty members, who joined hands to support the cause.
Dr. Praveen Malhotra, Head of the Gastroenterology Department at PGIMS, delivered a powerful keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of unity in the fight against hepatitis. He stressed the need for concerted efforts to raise awareness, promote testing, and ensure access to treatment to prevent needless suffering and deaths.
Prof. Praveen Malhotra, Head of the Gastroenterology Department with Dr. Gajendra Singh, DSW & Principal SDPGIPS
Throughout the event, attendees gained valuable insights into the various strains of hepatitis, their modes of transmission, and the significance of early diagnosis. The medical experts particularly highlighted the importance of timely vaccinations, especially for hepatitis B, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the opportunity for hepatitis survivors to share their stories of resilience, providing hope and motivation to other patients battling the disease.
The atmosphere was filled with determination as participants pledged to spread the word about hepatitis prevention and the significance of regular health check-ups. The PGIMS community, along with its partners and various organizations, expressed their commitment to collaborate and eliminate the burden of hepatitis, aiming to ensure a healthier future for all.
Source: Alumni Association SDPGIPS
The event's success can be attributed to the combined efforts of various departments, working in harmony with each other. Dr. Anita Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, who was present as the chief guest, lauded the collaborative approach taken by the Gastroenterology Department. She urged everyone to disseminate the vital information received during the event about hepatitis to the entire state.
Registrar Dr. HK Agrawal echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to spread awareness from house to house and assuring continued cooperation from the University to support the Gastroenterology Department's initiatives.
Dr. S.S. Lohchab, the Director of PGIMS, praised Dr. Praveen Malhotra and his team for organizing the grand program, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment for hepatitis and recognizing the department's significant contributions in healthcare. He also acknowledged the impact of the Jeevan Rekha scheme, highlighting Dr. Malhotra's role in its success.
Dr. Vani Malhotra, Professor of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, skillfully moderated the event and presented a documentary showcasing the Gastro department's remarkable ten-year journey.
Dr. Praveen Malhotra reiterated this year's theme, "We are not waiting, one liver is equal to one life," and provided detailed information about the spread of Hepatitis and the prevalence of the disease in India. He praised the media's role in raising awareness and urged people to donate blood as it can help detect hepatitis during testing.
Source: Alumni Association SDPGIPS
The doctor emphasized the importance of treating patients with a polite nature, recognizing the positive impact it can have on their well-being. He also shared his commitment to providing hepatitis-related information to state nodal officers through tele-consultation and revealed plans for the upcoming eco project.
Source: Alumni Association SDPGIPS
The event was a true testament to the power of collective effort, with various organizations of society contributing to its success. Numerous dignitaries, NGOs, students, employees, and social workers attended, making it a truly grand occasion.
Various organizations of the society contributed in this grand program, especially Baba Kapilpuri, Baba Karnapuri, Swami Parmanand, Gulshan Nijhawan, Jasmer Hooda, Hemant Bakshi, Loveleen Tuteja, Jagmati Sangwan, Krishna Chhabda, Councilor Radheshyam Dhall, Councilor Kadam Singh, Hundreds of social workers like Kapil Sehgal, President of IMA Dr. Sukhija, Dr. JP Arora, Dr. Pramod Marwah were present.
On this occasion Dean Academic Affairs Dr. Ashok Chauhan, Dean Dr. Kuldeep Singh Lalar, Dr. Jagjit Dalal, Dr. Manjunath, Dr. Gajendra, Dr. Varun Arora, Dr. Sehgal, Principal Prof. Hundreds of people including Sunita were present.
World Hepatitis Day at PGIMS Rohtak was a resounding success, uniting medical professionals, the public, and various departments in their mission to combat hepatitis. The event's impact is expected to resonate beyond its conclusion, fostering awareness and fostering a healthier, hepatitis-free future for all.
Article by: Aahana Vij, Harkesh Khohal