On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Hyderabad, organized an awareness walk to educate the public about liver health and the prevention of liver diseases such as hepatitis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Flagged off by Saifabad ACP Sri Sanjay Kumar and Dr. Kavya Dendukuri, Lead Transplant Hepatologist and Liver Specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, the walk covered a 2-kilometer stretch from the hospital premises. The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing incidence of liver diseases and the importance of early detection and vaccination.
Speaking at the event, ACP Sanjay Kumar appreciated Gleneagles Hospital for its longstanding commitment to liver care. “This walk is a commendable initiative to spread awareness. Many of us remain unaware of what’s happening inside our bodies. Early screening and public awareness can prevent serious complications,” he noted.
Dr. Kavya Dendukuri emphasized the need for proactive health measures:
“The liver is the largest and one of the most vital organs in our body. It’s also a regenerative organ, capable of healing itself. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and rarely causes permanent liver damage. However, Hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer. Unfortunately, over 40 million people in India are infected with Hepatitis B, many of them unknowingly. Another 12 million are living with Hepatitis C.”
She explained that Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through bodily fluids, reused syringes, unprotected sex, and from mother to child.
“We organized this awareness program to educate people about these silent yet dangerous viruses, and to promote a vision of a Hepatitis-Free India. Vaccinations and early treatment are key to preventing irreversible liver damage.”
The event also witnessed participation from key medical professionals at Gleneagles Hospital, including Dr. Tarun Gattu and Dr. D. Manikantheswara Rao (Liver Transplant Surgeons), Dr. M. Ganesh Chauhan (Liver Transplant Anaesthetist), Dr. Sameer Kumar (Medical Gastroenterologist), along with nursing and administrative staff.
