Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh urged for a mission-mode national response to tackle the rising cases of liver epidemic and Type-2 diabetes in India. Emphasizing preventive healthcare and public awareness, he highlighted the shift needed from curative measures to early detection and lifestyle changes. These diseases are now affecting individuals at younger ages, necessitating a proactive approach.
The Minister pointed out the interconnected nature of liver epidemic and Type-2 diabetes with other metabolic disorders like fatty liver, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. This metabolic nexus underscores the importance of addressing these conditions collectively to prevent their escalation. Singh made these remarks at the third anniversary event of the Liver & Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN) held at the Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi.
The initiative, supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), aims to enhance collaborative research, promote early diagnosis, and implement evidence-based policies to combat the growing burden of liver and metabolic diseases in the country. Singh praised the network as a significant national platform that unites scientific institutions, clinicians, and researchers to combat India’s rapidly increasing public health challenges. He stressed the crucial role of sustained scientific collaboration and public engagement in addressing the mounting burden of liver and metabolic disorders.
Singh highlighted India’s susceptibility to diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases due to genetic predisposition, high central obesity prevalence, and a unique Indian phenotype. He emphasized the importance of relying on Indian data, research, and solutions tailored to the country’s specific health needs rather than solely depending on foreign evidence. Despite the liver’s regenerative nature, unhealthy lifestyle choices, poor dietary habits, irregular sleep patterns, stress, and environmental factors are increasingly straining this vital organ, according to the Minister.
