Why in the News?

• Ranchi is set to become the first district in Jharkhand to implement a large-scale campaign for the screening and management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Key Points:

Objective and Implementation:

=> Ranchi will launch Jharkhand’s first large-scale screening and management campaign for NAFLD under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

=> The initiative focuses on early detection, capacity building, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to combat the rising burden of fatty liver disease.

Launch and Significance:

=> The campaign will be launched on 19th April 2025, World Liver Day.

=> Two-Phase Implementation:

• Phase 1 (April–June 2025):
  • Targets high-risk individuals—those with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Includes screening of 30,000 general population members.
• Phase 2 (July–November 2025):
  • Expands screening to all adults over 18 years across Ranchi district.

=> The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, will provide technical support.

Mobile Screening Vans:

=> State-of-the-art mobile vans, equipped with Fibro-Scan technology, will conduct free screenings in urban and rural areas.

=> Each van costs Rs 1 crore and ensures accurate diagnosis through advanced liver screening methods.

Health Impact and Need for Early Detection:

=> Nearly 50% of OPD patients in Ranchi suffer from liver-related ailments.

=> On average, 25 patients are diagnosed daily, with five requiring hospitalization.

=> In the past year, five liver disease-related deaths were recorded, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Data Collection and Monitoring:

=> Screening data will be recorded in a tracking system until the national NCD portal integrates NAFLD-specific records.

=> The programme aims to strengthen referral systems to ensure patients receive specialized medical care.

=> This initiative positions Ranchi as a pioneer in NAFLD management, setting an example for nationwide liver disease prevention and control.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:

About:

• NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol involvement.
• It includes two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Types of NAFLD:

• NAFL: Characterized by fat buildup in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage. It typically doesn’t lead to liver complications but can cause liver enlargement and discomfort.
• NASH: This form includes both fat buildup and liver inflammation, which can lead to liver damage, fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue), and potentially cirrhosis, a condition that increases the risk of liver cancer.

Symptoms and Causes:

• NAFLD is often symptomless, but conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome (a cluster of metabolic abnormalities), and type 2 diabetes increase its risk.

Diagnosis:

• NAFLD is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, and tests such as blood tests, imaging, and liver biopsy to distinguish between NAFL and NASH.

Treatment:

• Weight loss is key to managing NAFLD, as it can reduce fat, inflammation, and liver fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue, or collagen, due to chronic inflammation).

Prevention:

• A healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage NAFLD. Diet changes and weight loss are recommended for those affected.