The Hindu : Kerala News : `Make hepatitis B vaccination compulsory'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 14, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

`Make hepatitis B vaccination compulsory'

By Our Staff Reporter

K.R. Palaniswamy

CHENNAI, OCT. 13. The president-elect of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, K.R. Palaniswamy, has said that persuading the Government to make hepatitis B vaccination part of the immunisation schedule will be among the primary tasks of the Society this year.

With the increase in the number of hepatitis cases, it would be crucial to make immunisation compulsory, Dr. Palaniswamy said. Hepatitis B and C cause serious problems that impair the functioning of the liver, often necessitating its transplantation, he said. "It is the most important item on our agenda."

In order to carry on with the larger agenda of the Society to disseminate information on gastrointestinal disorders among professionals, Dr. Palaniswamy said he would set in motion a public health awareness campaign. Lifestyle changes cause more people to report in with gastroenterological complaints, he said. "In addition to the increased consumption of fast and preserved food, there is a lot of stress and strain on individuals. This has a great impact on gastrointestinal disorders. More people are coming in with acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Crohne's Disease than ever before," he said.

Dietary habits

People should be made aware that maintaining healthy dietary habits will bring down the number of digestive tract disorders, he said. It is to this end that the Society intends to organise public awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyle habits. Maintaining good hygiene will prevent infections, including hepatitis A and E, which are spread because of consumption of contaminated water and food.

Talking about the rising incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, Dr. Palaniswamy, who served as head, Department of Gastroenterology, Stanley Medical College here, said it was important to diagnose the symptoms early to save lives. "Black stools are an indication of internal bleeding. Patients should check with a doctor immediately. Coming on time will help the doctor to save the life of the patient." Similarly, pancreatitis caused by alcohol consumption and gall bladder stones should be diagnosed early or they could lead to life-threatening situations. "We intend to create awareness about all these issues among the public, " he said.

Dr. Palaniswamy is now Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai.

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