Livercon 2026 concluded in Agartala with liver experts warning of a sharp rise in liver diseases across India. Specialists highlighted obesity, hepatitis, alcohol use and unhealthy lifestyles as key risk factors while urging greater awareness, early diagnosis and community-based liver healthcare initiatives.
Liver diseases are rapidly emerging as one of India’s most significant public health challenges, with leading hepatologists warning that the country could witness a sharp increase in liver-related illnesses unless urgent preventive measures are adopted. The concerns were raised during the ninth edition of Livercon, a national scientific conference on liver diseases organised by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT) at Agartala Government Medical College on June 27 and 28.
Bringing together liver specialists, physicians, surgeons, researchers and postgraduate medical students from across the country, the two-day conference served as a platform to discuss the growing burden of liver diseases, advancements in treatment and strategies to strengthen community-based liver healthcare.
During various scientific sessions, experts highlighted that liver disease cases in India have increased significantly over recent years. Referring to estimates presented during the conference, specialists noted that the country has witnessed a growth of more than 141 percent in liver disease cases, underlining the urgent need for nationwide awareness, early screening and preventive healthcare initiatives.
Medical experts identified several major contributors behind the alarming rise in liver disorders. These include unhealthy lifestyle habits, excessive consumption of junk food, increasing obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, drug addiction and infections caused by hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. They warned that these factors are collectively driving a steady increase in chronic liver diseases across different age groups.
Despite the growing disease burden, specialists stressed that liver diseases are no longer considered untreatable. Significant advancements in medical science have improved the diagnosis and management of liver disorders, while liver transplantation has become increasingly accessible and accepted as an effective treatment option for patients suffering from advanced liver failure.
Doctors and researchers from leading medical colleges and hospitals across India shared their clinical experiences, treatment protocols and research findings related to complex liver disorders. Discussions focused on improving patient outcomes through multidisciplinary approaches, timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment practices.
One of the major themes of the conference was community hepatology, which experts described as an essential strategy for reducing the burden of liver diseases. Participants emphasised the importance of creating greater public awareness about liver health, promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging regular screening for high-risk populations.
Specialists praised the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura for its sustained work in promoting community hepatology and suggested that its initiatives could serve as a model for other states. They also proposed incorporating artificial intelligence-based technologies into community healthcare programmes to improve disease surveillance, early diagnosis and patient management in the future.
Separate sessions dedicated to community hepatology complemented the scientific discussions, enabling healthcare professionals to exchange ideas on expanding liver health services beyond hospitals and into local communities.
Experts also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections among intravenous drug users. They warned that untreated viral hepatitis significantly raises the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, making prevention, vaccination and timely treatment critical public health priorities.
The conference witnessed the participation of around 250 doctors from Tripura, while postgraduate students from Agartala Government Medical College presented clinical case studies and engaged in academic discussions with senior faculty members and nationally renowned liver specialists.
Participants observed that conferences exclusively dedicated to liver diseases remain relatively uncommon in India and recommended expanding Livercon into an international scientific forum in the coming years to facilitate greater collaboration among global experts.
During the concluding session, the prestigious HFT Oration Award was presented to Dr. S. P. Mishra of Motilal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to hepatology.
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The organisers also announced that the 10th edition of Livercon will be held on June 13 and 14 next year, with expectations of broader national participation and an expanded scientific programme aimed at advancing liver disease prevention, research and patient care across India.
