As the world observes World Fatty Liver Day on the second Thursday of June to raise awareness about the growing burden of fatty liver disease, Punjab is intensifying efforts to tackle liver diseases through expanded screening, strengthened referral systems, and the cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY).
Fatty liver disease is emerging as one of the leading causes of progressive liver disorders. Punjab's Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Balbir Singh said, “Fatty liver disease often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred.” He further added that if left untreated, the condition can advance to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.
Data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, shows that 302 liver-related cases, worth more than ₹6 lakh, including acute viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and liver abscess, were treated under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana during the last five months, highlighting the growing need for timely diagnosis and accessible treatment across the state.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), liver diseases linked to unhealthy diets, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and harmful alcohol use are becoming an increasingly significant global health concern.
Reflecting the trend, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2021, covering 50 studies involving 23,581 adults and 2,903 children in India, estimated the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at 38.6 per cent among adults and 35.4 per cent among children.
The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna in Punjab is addressing the liver disease challenge by providing cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. The scheme covers more than 2,300 treatment procedures and disease management packages through government and empanelled private hospitals, helping patients access diagnostics, hospitalisation, and specialist care without financial hardship.
According to Dr Virendra Singh, Director, Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), fatty liver disease is increasingly being diagnosed among young adults and even children. “We are seeing more cases linked to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, diabetes, and alcohol use. The encouraging aspect is that fatty liver disease is often reversible if detected early,” he said.
Dr Virendra Singh explained that the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods, deep-fried meals, and high-fat diets, combined with declining physical activity, is significantly contributing to the increase in liver disease across the state.
Describing fatty liver disease as a “silent epidemic,” Dr Virendra Singh emphasised that most cases can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. He recommended a balanced diet, regular physical activity, reduced consumption of processed and fried foods, complete avoidance of alcohol, effective diabetes management, and routine health check-ups.
He further stressed the importance of early screening for those with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a family history of liver disease. “The recommended screening methods include Liver Function Tests (LFTs), abdominal ultrasound, and Fibroscan examinations to identify liver fat accumulation and detect fibrosis before irreversible damage occurs,” said Dr Virendra Singh.
