HYDERABAD, Sept 12: The district health department has launched a free blood screening programme and the first camp in this connection was established at the rural health centre, Odero Lal station, on Saturday.

The medical team comprising Dr Zia Anwar, Dr Ali Akbar, Dr Bashir Solangi, Dr Rukhsana and others screened blood specimen of 100 people. Out of which samples of 16 people were found infected with Hepatitis-B virus and 10 with Hepatitis-C virus.

The team also held a health awareness session for men and women and informed them about precautionary measures. It may be recalled that on the instructions from EDO health Dr Nazar Mohammad Junejo, the medical superintendent of the rural health centre, Matiari had visited Muharram Khoso village near Odero Lal station on Sept 1.

The blood samples of some 24 people out of 61 were found infected with Hepatitis-B virus. Reuse of disposable and glass syringes, unsterilized medical equipments are the most common causes of spread Hepatitis-B and C.

The district health authorities had already sealed two medical stores, a laboratory and four clinics of quacks in Odero Lal station and two quacks were handed over to police for further action. Meanwhile, under instructions from the director-general of the health services, Hussain Bux Memon, a special medical team visited Odero Lal on Sunday.