NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, JULY 28
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, in an effort to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of viral hepatitis, it’s devastating impact, and to emphasize the importance of timely testing and vaccination, hosted a bike rally—‘Hepa Ride’—in partnership with Team ProSpeed and the Women’s Motorsports Club.
Priya Rajan, Mayor of the Greater Chennai Corporation, flagged off the rally of 100 bikers from Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Thousand Lights, to Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Vanagaram, in the presence of Dr. N. Murugan, Senior Consultant Hepatologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
- Apollo Hospitals and Biker Clubs unite for Hepatitis Awareness Ride
- Testing and vaccination are key to eliminating hepatitis by 2030
- Priya Rajan, Mayor of the Greater Chennai Corporation, flagged off the rally of 100 bikers from Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Thousand Lights, to Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Vanagaram
- The bikers navigating the city emphasized the critical need for widespread screening and vaccination against hepatitis B and C
Every year, 1.3 million lives are lost to hepatitis. Over 300 million people live with this disease, which can lead to liver cancer. In India alone, 3-4% of the population is affected by hepatitis B, while 0.5-1.5% carry hepatitis C. These infections, spread through blood and body fluids, often go undiagnosed until severe liver damage occurs.
On the occasion, Dr. N. Murugan, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Hepatitis B and C remain a significant health challenge, yet they are preventable and treatable with timely action. Our aim is to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to get tested and treated. By raising awareness through initiatives like the Hepa Ride, we hope to encourage more people to take proactive steps towards their health. Screening and vaccination are crucial to eliminating hepatitis, and we are committed to supporting the community in this vital journey.”
The bikers navigating the city emphasized the critical need for widespread screening and vaccination against hepatitis B and C. On this World Hepatitis Day, as part of the campaign, Apollo Hospitals urges everyone to pledge to spread awareness (test, treat, and vaccinate) and commit to eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030.
