Bhopal, Dec 1: The Research and Scientific Society, Department of Medicine, Gandhi Medical College would observe Hepatitis Day on December 4 at GMS auditorium from 12.30 pm. In a joint press meet, organising chairman Dr VK Sharma, Dr TN Dubey and Dr RK Jain said that patient education, public awareness, free check-up camp and CME on hepatitis B and C would be organised on the day.

Medical Education and Energy Minister Dr Gourishankar Shejwar would be the chief guest, Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Pukhraj Maroo would be the guest of honour while special guest would be Dr NP Mishra, ex HOD and Dean, GMC, Bhopal. From 1 pm to 2 pm an interactive session with patients and doctors will be held in which Dr Govind Makaria, Associate Professor Gastroenterology, AIIMS, New Delhi, will be the panelist.

The doctors said that at present there are more than 4.5 crore Hepatitis B-positive persons in the country. Actually, they are not patients but 25 per cent of them run the risk of turning fatally ill if they do not take precautionary steps. Out of these 25 per cent Hepatitis B-positive persons some can develop liver cancer while others might sustain liver damage.

The doctors warned people not to take medicines on the prescriptions of quacks and unqualified doctors. People need to be aware of the gravity of the disease and therefore the Research and Scientific Society thought it fit to observe Hepatitis Day.