CHANDIGARH: As the world marks World Liver Day on April 19 with the theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver, ” a stark warning from The Lancet on the rapid global surge of liver diseases has brought the crisis into sharp focus, with cases of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease projected to rise steeply by 2050.
Against this alarming backdrop, Punjab is moving decisively to confront the challenge head-on, strengthening its healthcare response through expanded screening and the cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, positioning itself at the forefront of India’s fight against a silent but fast-escalating epidemic driven by modern lifestyles.
Across the world, liver disease is emerging as a silent epidemic. Health experts estimate that nearly one in three adults is affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition that often develops without symptoms until advanced damage occurs. A Lancet study warns the burden could rise from 1.3 billion cases in 2023 to 1.8 billion by 2050, an increase of 42 per cent. India reflects a similar pattern, with urban populations and high-risk groups showing rising prevalence.
In Punjab, doctors say the challenge is intensifying due to a combination of hepatitis C infections, alcohol consumption, and rapidly changing diets. Dr Virendra Singh, Director at the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), said, “Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of severe liver damage in India and frequently worsens outcomes when combined with viral hepatitis. Fatty liver disease is now emerging as a major contributor alongside alcohol and hepatitis C. Long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods, deep-fried items, and trans fats is accelerating the problem.”