India Could Become the 'Liver Disease Capital' if Current Trends Continue, Experts Warn at LiverCon IX

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 30, 2026

Leading hepatology experts have sounded a serious warning that India could soon emerge as the "liver disease capital of the world" if the current surge in liver-related illnesses continues unchecked. The caution came during the 9th LiverCon, a national scientific conference on liver diseases organized by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT) at Agartala Government Medical College on June 27 and 28.

While highlighting the alarming rise in liver disorders, experts also delivered a message of hope, emphasizing that advanced medical science has significantly improved treatment outcomes. They stated that liver cirrhosis is no longer a death sentence, and many patients can now recover with timely diagnosis and modern treatment. Liver transplantation has also become increasingly accessible and successful in recent years.

The two-day conference brought together some of India's most renowned hepatologists, gastroenterologists, researchers, and medical faculty from leading medical colleges and hospitals. Participants exchanged experiences, discussed the latest treatment protocols, and reviewed advances in managing complex liver diseases.

Experts expressed deep concern over the rapid increase in liver disease cases across the country, noting that the incidence has risen by more than 141 percent. If this trend continues, they warned, liver disease could soon become one of India's most significant public health challenges.

According to specialists, unhealthy lifestyles, excessive consumption of junk food, obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, intravenous drug use, and infections caused by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are among the leading causes of liver damage.

A major focus of the conference was community hepatology, with experts stressing that prevention through public awareness and early screening is the most effective strategy against liver disease. They praised the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura's community-based initiatives, describing its approach as a model that could be replicated across the country. The experts also recommended incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-based community healthcare initiatives into future liver disease prevention programmes.

Apart from scientific sessions, LiverCon IX featured dedicated discussions on community hepatology, urging greater public awareness about the importance of liver health and preventive care. Specialists also warned that people who inject drugs are at a particularly high risk of contracting Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections, 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 medical students presented clinical case studies, gaining valuable guidance and insights from senior faculty members.

Visiting experts observed that no other scientific conference in India is dedicated exclusively to liver diseases on such a scale. They recommended that LiverCon be expanded into an international conference in the coming years.

During the event, the prestigious HFT Oration Award was conferred upon Dr. SP Mishra, a distinguished liver disease specialist from Motilal Nehru Medical College.

The conference also featured an online address from internationally acclaimed hepatologist Dr. SK Sarin, who joined the scientific sessions virtually from New Delhi.

Organizers announced that the 10th LiverCon will be held on June 13 and 14 next year, with plans to further expand the conference's scientific and international participation.

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