Dibrugarh: Renowned liver transplant specialist Dr Sanjay Goja raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of liver-related diseases due to poor lifestyle choices during a press conference organised at a hospital in Dibrugarh on Friday.
“There has been a significant surge in liver-related diseases recently, primarily due to our lifestyle choices,” said Goja, director and clinical lead of liver transplantation, Hepato Pancreatic Biliary (HPB), and robotic liver surgery at Narayana Hospital. The event aimed to promote awareness about liver health and the importance of early diagnosis.
Goja highlighted the rise of fatty liver disease, which, if untreated, can lead to hepatitis infections. However, he emphasised that early intervention through lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, can reverse the damage. “Fatty liver doesn’t always necessitate a transplant. Simple changes can restore liver health,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about liver donation, Dr. Goja clarified that healthy individuals aged 18-55 can safely donate, with full recovery in about three months. “The liver’s 70% reserve capacity makes donation a safe process,” he noted.
Goja urged the public to avoid junk food, excess oil, and sugar while embracing preventive measures like regular exercise. “Prevention is always better than cure,” he stressed.
Adding to the discussion, Dr Nirmal Sahewalla, a prominent physician from Dibrugarh, noted the alarming frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the region.
“Every day, I encounter at least 50 cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Dibrugarh alone during ultrasound examinations. Adopting healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help prevent the disease,” he said.
This campaign seeks to curb liver diseases by educating the public and providing accessible healthcare, reinforcing that timely action can save lives.