By Bishnulal Budha, Dolpa, Feb. 1:  Two Hepatitis 'B' patients have been airlifted to Kathmandu from Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality of upper Dolpa.

Upper Dolpa of late has been in a threat of Hepatitis 'B', which is considered to be highly contagious.

Raju Pandey, Deputy Superintendent of Police at Dolpa District Police Office said that Karma Gurung and Tokkar Gurung of Tangsong-1 were sent to Kathmandu via helicopter.

Hepatitis 'B' has been a growing health challenge in Upper Dolpa. It is vital for the concerned authorities to prioritise its treatment in order to prevent the problem of community transfer.

"There is no proper cure to Hepatitis 'B'. Thus, one must be inoculated beforehand in order to prevent the infection," said Dr. Sijan Rawal of Dolpa District Hospital. According to him, the disease was found in various areas of the district.

"In the mid and lower region of the district, the disease has not spread significantly. However, in upper Dolpa, six out of 10 people are found to be Hepatitis 'B' positive," said Rawal.

Thus, it is important for the concerned authorities, local, provincial and federal government to coordinate and introduce vaccination drive against Hepatitis 'B', said Lal Bahadur Budha, a local.