The Department of Medicine of Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU)/ Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, in collaboration with SOS Foundation, organised an awareness seminar to mark World Hepatitis Day 2025 under the leadership of Chairperson Department of Medicine Prof. Dr. Bilquis Shabbir.
Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor of FJMU, graced the seminar as the Chief Guest. Dr. Shaista Sohail, Ex-Executive Director HEC, graced the event as Guest of Honour, while Prof. Azra Mehmood from the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, joined as Guest Speaker.
This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasised the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.
In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal highlighted that FJMU is ranked among the top three medical universities in Pakistan and continues to lead in postgraduate programs. He stressed that “the best people are those who serve humanity” and underlined the need for awareness and early detection of hepatitis, a serious infectious disease.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shaista Sohail reiterated the principle that “prevention is better than cure.” She shared details about SOS Foundation’s community-oriented initiatives and urged the public to avoid contaminated food and water to prevent hepatitis. She also emphasised the importance of tree plantation as a vital step toward public health and environmental well-being.
Prof. Azra Mehmood delivered an insightful lecture on hepatitis, explaining it as an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. She elaborated on the disease’s symptoms, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and available treatments, stressing that lack of timely diagnosis and treatment can have life-threatening consequences.
Principal Prof. Abdul Hameed, Deans, Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. Ayub Naich, Faculty Members, and a large number of students attended the seminar, reflecting the commitment of the institution toward community health awareness.
The event concluded with Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal presenting honorary shields to Guest of Honor Dr. Shaista Sohail and Guest Speaker Prof. Azra Mehmood, in recognition of their valuable contributions.