Lucknow has lodged its name as the first district in Uttar Pradesh to set up a dedicated department of hepatology, for the treatment of liver diseases. Soon to be launched at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) here, this sustainable liver transplant programme will be the first of its kind in the state, as per an official release.
Lucknow’s SGPGI to constitute medical excellence against liver diseases
SGPGI’s new hepatology department will help patients seek specialised guidance and state-of-the-art treatment facilities, in Lucknow. As per reports, the new wing will be inaugurated on February 19 with the launch of OPD facilities along with an albumin ward, advanced liver-directed endoscopy, hepatic hemodynamic laboratory and so on. An intensive care unit will also be set up here, soon. Director Professor R.K. Dhiman reportedly stated that all operations of this department will remain under his authority and appointment of the medical team will start shortly.
Highlighting the importance and utility of this dedicated medical unit, Professor Dhiman informed that about 10% of the country’s population suffers from liver-related disorders. Further liver diseases and disorders develop other morbidities in patients, notified Professor S.K. Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. “The burden of liver disease due to hepatitis B and C, alcohol and fatty liver is enormous in Uttar Pradesh. Fatty liver leads to diabetes, hypertension, gallstones and even cancer”, he added.
Besides providing specialised treatment, SGPGI will develop a comprehensive programme for the prevention of liver diseases. Adding to this, Professor Jain stated that the departments of gastroenterology, surgical gastroenterology and hepatology will work together, towards this goal, building a defence against chronic liver diseases.
