Renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan, celebrated for his advocacy in public health campaigns against diseases like polio and tuberculosis, has now turned his attention to a growing lifestyle disease—non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the civic-run KEM Hospital on Monday, Bachchan emphasized the need for a nationwide awareness drive against NAFLD, akin to the successful polio elimination campaign. “It took eight years of spreading awareness to eradicate polio with the government’s help. A similar effort is needed for fatty liver disease,” he said.
Bachchan’s interest in NAFLD is personal, as he revealed that his own liver functions at only 25% due to complications from a hepatitis B infection caused by an infected blood transfusion in the 1980s. While his condition stems from an infection, NAFLD is primarily caused by fatty deposits in the liver due to obesity and poor lifestyle choices. Over time, it can lead to cirrhosis and increase the risk of liver cancer.
The actor called for a government-led initiative to tackle NAFLD, offering to support the campaign as a goodwill ambassador.
Rising Concern Over NAFLD
At the event, senior gastroenterologist and KEM alumnus Dr. Jayant Barve described NAFLD as an emerging epidemic that could soon become the leading cause of liver transplants. KEM professor Dr. Akash Shukla added that 20-30% of liver patients treated at the hospital have fatty liver disease.
To address this growing concern, Bachchan inaugurated KEM Hospital’s fatty liver clinic, which will operate every Friday afternoon. The initiative, led by hospital dean Dr. Sangeeta Rawat and Dr. Barve, also includes the release of an information booklet on NAFLD.
Importance of Medical Guidance
Bachchan underscored the value of timely medical advice and reassurance in patient recovery, sharing his own experiences with hospitalization dating back to the 1950s, including a life-threatening accident during the filming of Coolie. Addressing the medical students in attendance, he remarked, “If you are here, our future will be healthy and safe.”
As reported by economictimes, the launch of the fatty liver clinic and Bachchan’s appeal for a national campaign highlight the urgent need to combat this silent epidemic through awareness and early intervention.