PESHAWAR, Oct 1: Health experts have expressed concern over the spread of hepatitis, warning that the disease will assume proportions by 2010 if preventive measures are not taken immediately.

“The disease is prevent among 15 to 20 per cent of the population in Mardan and Swat districts of NWFP and Aurakzai Agency in Fata,” said Dr Ihsanullah Turabi, coordinator of the National Programme for Control and Prevention of Hepatitis.

Speaking at a day-long seminar held in connection with the World Hepatitis Day at the directorate of health on Monday, he said that free treatment of hepatitis patients had been started under the programme.

“So far 2,010 patients in NWFP and Fata have been provided free treatment. By 2010, free treatment will be provided at all hospitals of the country,” he said.

At present, he pointed out, the programme was being carried out in 18 districts of the NWFP and four tribal units of Fata.

Programme manager Dr Sharif Ahmad Khan said that hepatitis B was prevalent among 2 to 3 per cent population while another 5 to 7 per cent suffered from C type of the ailment.

He said that hepatitis B and C were caused by unscreened blood transfusion, use of contaminated syringes and equipment, tattooing and piercing of ears and nose, shaving at the barbers shop, beauty parlours shops and unsafe sex relations.