Kolkata, 10 January 2026: Emphasising that timely intervention can prevent life-threatening complications, leading hepatology experts at the Bengal Liver Summit 2026 cautioned against ignoring liver diseases that often progress silently until advanced stages. The summit hosted a Patient and Public Awareness and Engagement Programme in Kolkata to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and public understanding of liver health.
The session focused on prevention, early detection, vaccination and lifestyle modification, highlighting that risk-based screening and timely testing are crucial for better outcomes. Experts noted that conditions such as fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver injury frequently remain asymptomatic in the early stages, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Renowned national and international faculty, including specialists from India, the United States and Singapore, addressed the gathering. They stressed the importance of maintaining healthy body weight, controlling diabetes and cholesterol, following safe alcohol practices and avoiding unverified supplements. Participants were also informed about the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing hepatitis B and the availability of curative treatments for hepatitis B and C when diagnosed early.
The Bengal Liver Summit 2026, held under the aegis of the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver, brought together experts to discuss advances in hepatology while placing strong emphasis on public education and community outreach. Organisers reiterated their commitment to translating scientific advances into accessible and actionable public health messages, underscoring that early action based on awareness can save lives.
