Renowned actor and health advocate Amitabh Bachchan has called for a nationwide initiative to combat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), drawing parallels to India’s successful polio eradication campaign. Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Seth Gordhandas Sundardas Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Bachchan emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness and action against this escalating health concern.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Advocacy

At the event, Bachchan unveiled a handbook on NAFLD and expressed his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at eradicating the disease. He stated, “I am proud to contribute to this cause and spread awareness about liver diseases. It is crucial that we address and treat these diseases at the earliest. I am hopeful that just as we have successfully eradicated diseases such as polio, we will also eliminate diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

Launch of Specialized ‘Nash Clinic’

In conjunction with the centenary celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) inaugurated the first ‘Nash Clinic’ at KEM Hospital. This specialized clinic aims to raise awareness and provide targeted care for patients suffering from Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD. The outpatient department will operate every Friday under the guidance of gastroenterologist Dr. Akash Shukla.

Prevalence of NAFLD in India

NAFLD has emerged as a significant public health issue in India, with studies indicating a prevalence rate ranging from 9% to 53% among different populations.

Factors contributing to this high prevalence include sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes.

Health Implications

NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions, from simple fat accumulation to NASH, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Alarmingly, NAFLD is becoming a leading cause of liver transplants in India. Dr. Jayant Barve, a senior gastroenterologist, highlighted that NAFLD has reached epidemic proportions and could soon emerge as the most common cause for liver transplants.

Call to Action

Amitabh Bachchan’s personal experience with liver disease, having only 25% functional liver due to a past hepatitis B infection, underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. He advocates for a comprehensive national campaign, similar to the polio eradication drive, to address NAFLD. Such a campaign would involve public awareness programs, lifestyle modification initiatives, and the establishment of specialized clinics across the country.

Conclusion

The rising prevalence of NAFLD in India necessitates immediate and coordinated action. A nationwide campaign, supported by public figures like Amitabh Bachchan and healthcare institutions, can play a pivotal role in combating this silent epidemic. Through collective efforts, India can aspire to reduce the burden of liver diseases and improve the overall health of its population.