‘25% of liver failures occur due to alcohol consumption’

"Nearly 1,200 liver transplants are needed every year in Gujarat. Nearly two lakh people die of terminal liver disease and cancer every year in India, out of which, some 25,000 can be saved through transplants," said Dr AS Soin, addressing a gathering in the city on Sunday.

A talk was held in the city on the topic 'Scenario and latest advancements in liver transplant techniques', and world-renowned Dr AS Soin, also known as the 'father of liver transplant surgeries in India', addressed the audience. Also present was Dr Sanjiv Saigal, associate director, hepatology and senior consultant hepatologist, Medanta, in Gurgaon.

"Some years ago, liver transplantation was not well-developed in India. Now, however, we run liver transplant centres that are among the largest in the world," said the Padmashri awardee Dr Soin.

Explaining the effects of alcohol, he said, "25% of liver failures are due to alcohol consumption, and women are more prone to liver damage than men, from alcohol consumption. Gujarat is no exception, despite being a dry state. Hence, taking care of the liver is an imperative health concern."