Rising Liver disease cases resulting in a health crisis in India

Hyderabad: A growing number of liver disease cases in India is emerging as a major public health concern, with medical experts warning that many conditions progress silently and are often detected only at advanced stages.

Marking World Liver Day on April 19, doctors at Kamineni Hospitals stressed the urgent need for awareness, preventive care, and healthier lifestyle choices. The global theme for 2026, “Solid Habits – Safe Liver,” highlights the importance of adopting sustainable habits to protect liver health.

Often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the human body, the liver performs over 500 essential functions and has a unique ability to regenerate. Despite this, experts say neglect and unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to a surge in liver-related illnesses across the country.

Dr. A.V. Krishna Chaitanya, Senior Consultant and Liver Transplant Specialist, warned that untreated liver diseases can progress to severe conditions such as Cirrhosis and liver failure, leading to complications like internal bleeding, abdominal fluid accumulation, and even Liver Cancer. He noted that timely medical intervention, including liver transplantation, can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.

To promote early detection, the hospital has launched a special liver check-up package under the campaign “Love Your Liver… Live Healthy!” The package includes tests such as Liver Function Test (LFT), hepatitis screening, HbA1c, thyroid and lipid profiles, along with ultrasound abdomen and specialist consultations. The initiative aims to encourage young adults, especially those aged 18 to 30, to undergo preventive screening.

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Dr. Tejaswini Tumma, Consultant Gastroenterologist, highlighted that early symptoms like fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, and minor abnormalities in blood reports are often ignored. She emphasized that timely diagnosis through blood tests, imaging, and FibroScan can help detect liver diseases at an early, reversible stage.

Adding to the concern, Dr. V.R. Sumanth Kumar pointed out the rising prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, which is now affecting nearly one-third of the global population. In India, about 38.9% of adults are estimated to suffer from this condition, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and metabolic disorders.

Experts estimate that liver failure contributes to nearly 2 to 2.6 lakh deaths annually in India. However, they stress that most liver diseases are preventable with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, and routine health check-ups.

Healthcare professionals are urging the public to remain vigilant, adopt healthier lifestyles, and seek medical advice promptly to curb the growing burden of liver diseases in the country.