Liver diseases should no longer be viewed as a death sentence, as advances in modern medical science have made it possible to successfully treat even patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation has also become increasingly accessible and popular in recent years, leading liver specialists said at the 9th edition of LiverCon.
The two-day scientific conference, organised by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT), was held on June 27 and 28 at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and brought together leading liver disease experts from across the country.
During the conference, eminent doctors, researchers and super-specialists from various medical colleges and hospitals shared their experiences and treatment protocols for managing complex liver disorders.
Experts expressed serious concern over the rapid rise in liver disease cases in India, revealing that the growth rate has exceeded 141 percent. They warned that liver diseases are silently emerging as one of the country's major public health challenges and cautioned that if the current trend continues, India could soon become the world's "capital of liver diseases."
According to specialists, unhealthy lifestyles, junk food consumption, obesity, diabetes, drug abuse, alcohol consumption and hepatitis virus infections are among the major causes of liver damage.
The experts stressed the importance of community hepatology in preventing liver diseases and observed that the community-based model adopted by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT) could serve as an example for the rest of the country. They also recommended introducing artificial intelligence-based initiatives in community healthcare in the future.
Apart from scientific discussions among medical professionals, this year's LiverCon also featured dedicated sessions on community hepatology. Experts called for greater public awareness regarding the importance of the liver and measures to protect liver health.
They further warned about the high risk of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections among intravenous drug users, which can eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Around 250 doctors from across Tripura participated in this year's conference. On the second day, postgraduate students from the medical college had the opportunity to present clinical cases and learn directly from the faculty members.
Visiting liver specialists noted that no other scientific conference in India focuses exclusively on liver diseases in such a manner and suggested that the event should be expanded to an international level in the future.
The prestigious "HFT Oration" award at the 9th LiverCon was conferred upon Dr S P Mishra, a renowned liver specialist from the Moti Lal Nehru Medical College in Prayagraj.
Organisers also announced that the 10th edition of LiverCon will be held on June 13 and 14 next year.