Free medical scans and information at first Korean Health Expo

A first-of-its-kind Korean Health Expo in Western Sydney complete with free oriental fans has attracted 160 people.

The event held at Dooleys Catholic Club raised awareness of hepatitis B transmission, prevention, vaccination, monitoring and treatment for Korean-speaking communities.

Event-goers were also offered an opportunity to undergo a free non-invasive liver scan to check for liver damage.

Hepatitis B screening and education sessions in Korean about cancer prevention and hepatitis B were also available.

Western Sydney Local Health District health promotion officer (HIV and related programs) Anju Devkota said early detection of liver damage from chronic hepatitis B infection is important.

“Diagnosing liver damage is very important so that the condition can be managed and the risk of liver cancer can be reduced,” Anju said.  

“Scan results were instantly shared with the person’s GP.

“Community-based screening is a very effective way to support community members, including new migrants, who may not have a strong understanding of the Australian health system.”

The event was organised by Hepatitis NSW, Korean Australian Medical Society (KAMS) and Korean Health and Community Assist (KHCA) with support from Western Sydney Local Health District, the Australian Korean Welfare Association, Korean Nurses Association in Australia, Metro Assist and the Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS).

For more information about the event, contact Anju Devkota on 02 9843 3170 or Anju.Devkota@health.nsw.gov.au