Doctors to sensitize barbers about Hepatitis C risks

Karachi—Doctors comprising members of SMC Alumni Association has taken upon themselves to sensitize barbers as well as beauticians, in Karachi, to protect themselves against Hepatitis B and C.

Dr. Natasha Mustafa, Coordinator of the Campaign told APP Friday that beauticians and barbers are also being approached to bring about extremely important changes in handling of their clients.“This is very important as many a time unassuming people hold chance to contract Hepatitis C and B and even HIV infections during minor cuts experienced during shave or hair cut at a barber’s shop,” she said. The young doctor also referred to vulnerability of people undergoing pedi-cure or mani-cure due to poor hygienic practices. Re-use of sharp tools, though obsolete, but still used for skin cleaning purposes in many of the beauty parlors, is also a risk that is often ignored, said Dr. Natasha.

“The hair dressers and beauticians are also at risk due to application of contaminated tools
, knives and blades,” Dr. Natasha said in reply to a question.The exercise to educate professionals, she said, is part of the ongoing SMC Alumni campaign, focussed on prevention and control of Hepatitis C.

She said more than 500 students of Sindh Medical College had also joined the walk, arranged by SMC Alumni Association, Pakistan chapter, to mark the world hepatitis day.

Dr.Sameer Qureshi, President, SMC Alumni Association (Pakistan) led the walk that started from Emergency Department of the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center and ended at its ENT Department.—APP

Thanks To  pakobserver.net