Explainer: How Haryana is equipping docs to fight ‘silent killer’ liver diseases
Coaching frontline medical professionals allows early detection and timely treatment of ailments such as hepatitis B, C, and NAFLD
In India, viral hepatitis affects nearly 6 per cent of the population, while non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impacts around 25 per cent. Though both are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, they are largely preventable and manageable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. However, a key challenge lies in the limited training of doctors at primary and community health centres (PHCs/CHCs) and district hospitals leading to frequent referrals to higher healthcare centres. This not only delays treatment but also places a heavy burden on patients. Recognising this gap, the state government, under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), has launched a dedicated initiative to train primary care doctors, enabling them to detect and manage liver diseases at an early stage.
