City Imaging & Clinical Labs, an Indian diagnostic chain, has launched FibroScan, a non-invasive tool designed for liver assessment. This initiative is in response to the government’s call for proactive measures to address the growing burden of liver diseases, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is becoming a significant health concern in India. The launch aligns with the national focus on early detection and prevention of liver diseases.
Liver diseases rank among the top causes of death in India, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting that they account for approximately 20 per cent of all ailments in the country. Liver cancer alone causes about 2,000 deaths annually. This highlights the need for accessible diagnostic tools. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh recently emphasised the rising prevalence of NAFLD in India, stating, “Every third Indian has fatty liver, which often predates Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.” Dr Singh, a well-known diabetologist, pointed out the need for India-specific interventions, considering the country’s unique metabolic and genetic profile.
City Imaging’s Dwarka branch will house the newly launched FibroScan device, which marks the chain’s expanded reach. The device provides Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements, making it crucial for the early detection of liver conditions like NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Left undiagnosed, these conditions can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Dr Aakaar Kapoor, Founder & Partner of City Imaging and Clinical Labs LLP, commented, “The burden of liver diseases in India is staggering, and with FibroScan, we aim to offer a solution that is affordable, accurate, and accessible to everyone.” He added that FibroScan provides an alternative to traditional methods like liver biopsies, offering a painless and non-invasive diagnostic option with immediate results.
India has seen a rise in NAFLD due to changes in diet, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing cases of metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Experts estimate that NAFLD affects around 20 per cent of non-obese individuals in India, a contrast to Western countries where it is predominantly linked to obesity. Without early diagnosis, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. In addition to NAFLD, ALD remains a growing concern, with both conditions following a similar progression, from fatty liver to cirrhosis and potentially liver cancer.
Dr Kapoor highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, stating, “With the rising incidence of NAFLD and ALD, it is essential to have tools like FibroScan that provide accurate and timely diagnosis. We are committed to offering our patients the best diagnostic technologies to help them take control of their liver health early.”
The FibroScan technology delivers rapid, reproducible results in minutes. It eliminates the need for invasive procedures and ensures accessibility for a broad range of patients, including those with higher body mass, by offering an XL probe for accurate diagnostics.
India is now focusing on preventive healthcare, and diagnostic tools like FibroScan are essential in this effort. Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the need for India-specific healthcare solutions, stating, “A large population in India is affected by metabolic disorders, and we need India-specific interventions as our phenotype is different.”
City Imaging’s introduction of FibroScan is expected to transform how liver diseases are diagnosed and managed in India, providing healthcare providers with the tools to identify liver conditions early before they develop into life-threatening complications.