Why More Indians Are Dying Of Liver Disease — Here's What You Should Know
The report based on Registrar General of India (RGI) data, liver diseases accounted for 2.3% of all deaths in 2011. By 2020, this figure had climbed to 3.4%. In raw numbers, this equates to over 2.5 lakh deaths in 2020 alone.
Interestingly, while deaths due to other non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cancer also rose during this period, the rise in liver-related mortality is steeper. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of liver disease deaths.
What Is Causing the Surge?
1. Alcohol Abuse
Chronic alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), about 18% of men in India consume alcohol, with rates soaring above 40% in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Excessive drinking over time causes liver inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis or liver failure.
2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
India is witnessing a surge in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, particularly in urban populations. NAFLD, a condition where fat accumulates in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol, is becoming increasingly common. Sedentary lifestyles and poor diets are to blame. Experts estimate that up to 32% of urban Indians may have NAFLD.
3. Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C)
Another major cause is viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, which are transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, or from mother to child during childbirth. While India has included hepatitis B in its Universal Immunization Programme, awareness and screening remain low, especially in rural areas.
4. Poor Healthcare Access and Late Diagnosis
Many liver diseases are asymptomatic until they reach an advanced stage. In India, delayed diagnosis and lack of access to specialised care contribute to poor outcomes. Rural areas, in particular, lack hepatology services, meaning patients often arrive at tertiary hospitals when treatment options are limited.
5. Self-Medication and Herbal Remedies
The rampant use of over-the-counter drugs, especially painkillers like paracetamol, and unregulated herbal or Ayurvedic remedies is another factor. These substances can be hepatotoxic and damage the liver over time.
6. Age and Gender Trends
Data shows that most liver disease deaths occur in the 30-60 age group, which is the most economically productive segment of the population. Men are more likely to die from liver diseases than women, primarily due to higher alcohol consumption and lifestyle-related factors.
7. Regional Disparities
Southern and eastern states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal show higher mortality rates from liver diseases compared to the northern and north-eastern regions. This could be due to better reporting mechanisms or genuine differences in alcohol use, diet, and healthcare access.
8. The Covid-19 Factor
The pandemic worsened the situation. Healthcare disruptions, increased alcohol consumption during lockdowns, and delayed treatments for chronic conditions all contributed to a spike in liver disease complications and deaths.
What Can Be Done?
Public Awareness Campaigns: India needs a nationwide liver health campaign, similar to those for heart disease or diabetes. Educating people about alcohol risks, viral hepatitis prevention, and healthy living is crucial.
Early Screening and Diagnosis: Government health missions should include liver function tests in routine check-ups. Mobile liver clinics or telemedicine solutions could help bridge the urban-rural gap.
Hepatitis Vaccination & Treatment: Expanding hepatitis B vaccination and offering free or subsidised treatment for hepatitis B and C will save lives and reduce transmission.
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