Daily News Capsule

 

As of February 22, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare brings out the operational guidelines for the unification of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD) with NPCDC( National program for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke). 

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said by expressing his exhilaration on the event that “NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), the uncommon accumulation of fats in the liver, in the absence of secondary causes of the fatty liver such as excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, or certain medications is a major health concern as it surrounds the person to numerous possible liver abnormalities. From a simple nonalcoholic fatty liver to further advanced ones like Non-Alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The global burden of NASH has doubled over the last two decades. 

Highlighting the importance of handling NAFLD as a step to control the spread of non-communicable disease he stated”. 

In line with the Epidemiology studies, the prevalence is 9%-32% in the general population of India with a higher vulnerability to obese, diabetic, or prediabetic patients. 

Studies revealed that NAFLD in 40-80% is those people who have diabetes 2 and 30-90% with obese people. Those persons are highly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases according to studies. 

Cardiovascular diseases are the high cause of death in NAFLD. There is no proper cure and treatment of such disease, once the disease takes place in somebody. Though, some lifestyle changes and modifications can reduce the mortality rate and health promotion due to NAFLD. 

The minister said that NAFLD is an independent predictor of the future crisis of cardiovascular disease, diabetes 2, and hypertension with other metabolic dysfunctions. 

The view of the government of India is to make adaptable strategies with the NPCDCS to prevent NAFLD with early diagnosis, awareness, and management. 

Dr. Vardhan took the moment to realize to the audience that India is becoming the first country to recognize the need for action for NAFLD.  

 “The Indian government realized that the existing NCD program’s strategy can now be lined up to prevent NAFLD.”

What will be the possible strategies?

 

• Behavioral changes and lifestyle modifications.
• Early diagnosis and management.
• Building up the capacity to manage, diagnose and treat the disease in several health centers.

He further described the importance of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness center in suppressing NCDs. They have so far organized the 6.91 lakh yoga centers and wellness sessions at the community level. Along with the focus on “Eat right India” and “Fight India movement” the whole vision of the government is to proceed with diagnostic care to preventive health, he further addressed.