Karachi, August 1: The Pakistan Association for Eastern Medicine (PAEM), in collaboration with Hamdard Foundation Pakistan (HFP), organised a scientific seminar titled “Tazkar-e-Hikmat” at Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital to mark World Hepatitis Day and highlight the growing burden of hepatitis in Pakistan.
The seminar brought together experts in Unani and modern medicine, physicians, researchers, teachers, students, and healthcare professionals. President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, Ms Sadia Rashid, attended the event as the chief guest.
Guest speaker Dr Hakim Syed Zahoor-ul-Hasan Zaidi, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University, described hepatitis as a silent but dangerous disease that requires early diagnosis, preventive measures, public awareness, and coordinated healthcare strategies for effective control.
He explained that hepatitis has five major types—A, B, C, D, and E—with different modes of transmission and treatment. While hepatitis A and E are commonly spread through contaminated food and water, hepatitis B, C, and D are mainly transmitted through infected blood, unsafe injections, unsterilised medical equipment, and contaminated blood transfusions.
Dr Zaidi noted that Pakistan remains among the countries with a high burden of hepatitis B and C. He stressed that the spread of the disease can be significantly reduced through vaccination, safe injection practices, proper blood screening, sterilised medical equipment, access to clean drinking water, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Highlighting the role of traditional medicine, he said several research projects at Hamdard University and other institutions have demonstrated the hepatoprotective potential of Unani medicine. However, he emphasised that further clinical research based on evidence-based medicine is needed to strengthen international recognition of traditional treatments.
He also underscored the important role that trained Unani medicine practitioners can play in primary healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities, by contributing to disease prevention, early diagnosis, and health education.
Addressing the seminar, Professor Dr Hakim Abdul Hanan, President of PAEM, said the organisation is committed to promoting prevention, education, research, and public awareness alongside healthcare services. He reaffirmed Hamdard Pakistan’s commitment to organising scientific seminars and awareness programmes to encourage healthier lifestyles and strengthen public health across the country.
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