Preventive hepatology at AIIMS Rishikesh: Delivering comprehensive and integrated care for liver diseases in Northern state of India.

ABSTRACT

Globally, liver diseases accounts for 4% of all deaths. Annually, over 2 million deaths occur due to preventable causes of chronic liver diseases and liver cancer like fatty liver diseases (alcoholic or non alcoholic) and viral hepatitis B and C. The burden of chronic liver diseases are increasing, and the epidemiology and demographics of people affected by these diseases are changing. Policy changes, vaccination, screening, lifestyle changes and public health awareness is the key to curb down liver disaeses. To achieve the ultimate goal of reducing mortality and linkage to care for those who need specialized care for liver disease, it is vital to have dedicated preventive hepatology clinics in sync with existing liver or gastroenterology clinics at tertary care level.