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India must prioritize liver health in its public health strategy and accelerate the adoption of innovative diagnostics to prevent liver disease-related morbidity and mortality, said Chander Shekhar Sibal, vice president & HOD, medical systems division, Fujifilm India.
Liver health has become an urgent concern for India. Over 1 in 5 adults in India suffer from liver conditions, and liver disease accounts for nearly 18.3% of global fatality.
As liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) gain prominence, early diagnosis and preventive measures will be the key to reverse this trend, he added.
To curb the growing liver health crisis, a collaborative effort from policymakers, healthcare leaders, and industry stakeholders is essential. It is time for liver health to take its rightful place in India's public health strategy. By integrating advanced diagnostic tools into national screening programmes, we can ensure that every citizen, particularly those in underserved regions, have access to the most effective solutions for liver disease detection, Sibal told Pharmabiz in an email.
There is a pressing need for research investment, funding, and training to support the implementation of these advanced technologies. A comprehensive national strategy that promotes early diagnosis and prevention is crucial to reduce the incidence of liver diseases and improve survival rates in India, he noted.
India’s healthcare infrastructure must evolve to embrace innovative technologies that provide affordable, accessible solutions for liver disease detection. By prioritizing liver health and integrating early detection technologies, India can not only improve patient outcomes but also ensure a healthier future for its population.
Many liver conditions do not present symptoms until they reach an advanced stage, making early detection an uphill task. Lack of awareness surrounding liver health, coupled with insufficient screening infrastructure, results in many patients presenting with end-stage liver failure or liver cancer. This delayed intervention worsen patient outcomes and puts an enormous strain on healthcare systems. In many cases, liver cancer may have been preventable had it been detected in the early stages, said Sibal.
The integration of innovative diagnostic technologies like elastography, AI-powered imaging, and biomarker-based screening is poised to change the landscape of liver disease management in India. These technologies not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also drive a fundamental shift towards a preventive healthcare model, he said.
Leading technologies shaping the future of liver disease detection are biomarker-based screening through IVD, AI-powered Imaging where machine learning algorithms are being integrated into liver imaging systems to analyze ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs. The growing availability of portable diagnostic tools like mobile ultrasound devices and at-home test kits is expanding access to liver disease diagnostics in rural and underserved areas. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) study stated POCT devices have successfully reduced diagnostic waiting times in remote areas by up to 60%, allowing for quicker interventions, said Sibal.
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