Bengaluru . On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, Karnataka Gastro Center, in collaboration with Northwest Hospital, Lions International District 317A and partner institutions, Gowtham Nursing college, successfully organized a vibrant Walk-a-Thon and Free Hepatitis B & C Screening Camp at its Nagapura premises. This initiative echoed the WHO 2026 World Hepatitis Day theme – “Hepatitis: Let’s break it Down”– by promoting public awareness, early diagnosis, and preventive action against viral hepatitis.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Sri U T Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare; Sri K. Gopalaiah, M.L.A., Mahalakshmi Layout; and Dr. C. N. Ashwathnarayana, M.L.A., Malleshwaram. Senior Lions leaders Dr. G Mohan (District Governor), K. Easwaran. also participated and lent their support to the cause.
The program began with an enthusiastic walkathon from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, followed by a free screening camp from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hundreds of individuals availed themselves of the health services offered, which included free Hepatitis B & C blood testing, free Fibroscan liver assessments, and free Hepatitis B vaccinations, along with medical consultations by gastroenterology specialists.
Hepatitis awareness talks were delivered by Dr. Umesh Jalihal (Director, Karnataka Gastro Center), Dr. Irshad Ali H., and Dr. Pavan Kumar Madduri, who emphasized the importance of screening, early detection, timely treatment, and preventive measures including vaccination to curb the burden of hepatitis in the community.
The event witnessed active participation from the general public, medical and nursing students, and volunteers from Northwest Hospital, Fortis Hospital Rajajinagar, Sarvodaya School of Nursing, Sheshadripuram Evening College, and Goutham Nursing College. Their collaborative effort contributed significantly to making the event a successful and impactful public health initiative for the city.
By bringing together expert care, free preventive services, and community engagement, the program marked a significant step forward in the mission to eliminate hepatitis and improve liver health awareness in Bengaluru.