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RAWALPINDI, Jul 29 (APP):Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Anjum Aqeel Khan has urged the public to treat hepatitis as a serious health threat, calling it a “silent killer” that often causes irreversible damage without showing early symptoms.
He was addressing a seminar held in connection with World Hepatitis Day, aimed at raising awareness about the disease and promoting preventive measures.
The awareness event was organized by Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem, Founder of Savour Food Pakistan and Patron-in-Chief of the Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association. The seminar brought together lawmakers, medical professionals, social activists, and concerned citizens at a local venue in Rawalpindi.
MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, the chief guest, emphasized the need for continuous community engagement and awareness campaigns. “This disease does not always present symptoms early on, but it leads to severe liver damage. We must reach out to villages, schools, offices, and mosques to educate people,” he said. “This should not be seen as a one-day campaign, but as a permanent social responsibility.”
Punjab Assembly Member Mohsin Ayub Khan also attended the event and endorsed the need for sustained public health efforts.
Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem highlighted the contributions made under his personal initiative, including the establishment of a dedicated hepatitis laboratory and a modern operation theatre at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. “The objective is to ensure timely and quality treatment for the people of Rawalpindi,” he noted.
President of the Association, Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry, recalled the association’s active role during the COVID-19 pandemic and reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against hepatitis. “Just like we supported public vaccination during COVID, we are equally determined to combat hepatitis,” he said.
The event concluded with a pledge from participants to continue spreading awareness and encouraging early testing and vaccination against hepatitis. Representatives from various business, welfare, and health organizations were present in large numbers, along with concerned citizens.