LAHORE, Oct 31: The provincial core group on hepatitis-B and C approved on Friday the text of a proposed legislative bill for eradication of the factors which caused the disease.

Chairing the meeting of the provincial core group, Punjab Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed said the draft law would soon be presented before the Punjab cabinet for approval and consequent submission to the Punjab Assembly for legislation.

He said hepatitis-B and C were causing major health problems at the national level. As Pakistan was situated in intermediate zone, he said, the prevalence of the disease had been estimated from two to eight per cent.

He said many adults were showing symptoms of its infection. In Pakistan, he said, it had been estimated that transmission patterns were mixed and occurred in all age groups —- infancy, childhood and adulthood.

The minister said public awareness was of great importance and media could play a vital role in this regard. The meeting also approved slogans and suggestions for the media campaign.

The government, he said, would appreciate local manufacturing of anti-hepatitis medicines to make those accessible to poor patients. He also asked the health department officials to arrange seminars, conferences and workshops for tehsil and district Nazims to launch an effective campaign against hepatitis.

Chief minister’s Adviser on Health Dr Javed Asghar, Director-General Health Services, Punjab, Dr Khalid Mahmood, MPA Dr Muzaffar Ali Sheikh, Prof Shaheena Manzoor, Prof Dr Anwaar A Khan, Dr Amanullah Khan, Dr Muhammad Umar and other core group members also attended the meeting.