Preventable, yet a public health concern

Around 45 million people in the country are affected by fatty liver disease, adding an economic burden of Tk 75,690 crore which is more than double the health sector's annual budget, said Dr Md Saiful Islam Elin, a consultant hepatologist at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), at a roundtable yesterday.

"The doctors need to step up and raise awareness as the number is increasing with every passing day," he added. 

  He made the remarks at a discussion titled, "Fatty Liver: National Economic Burden of Bangladesh" organised by Hepatology Society, Dhaka at the capital's Cirdap auditorium, marking sixth International Nash (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) Day.

According to the attending physicians, a healthy liver turns into a fatty one when the weight of its stored fat equals 5-10 percent of the liver's weight. Upper abdominal pain, sudden weight loss and fatigue are the most common symptoms.

However, opting for a healthy lifestyle can prevent these health problems.

Dr Shahinul Alam, professor of Hepatology at BSMMU and general secretary of Hepatology Society, made the keynote presentation.

Each fatty liver patient spends an average of Tk 16,800 for a single comprehensive evaluation and management. The combined cost of all the patients visiting the hospital at least once in their life time would add up to Tk 75,690 crore, he added.

Regular exercise, choosing milk, fruits and vegetables over fried food and ensuring walkways, cycling lanes, playgrounds and parks in urban areas, and can help prevent fatty liver disease, he informed.

The event was chaired by Prof Mobin Khan, founding president of the organisation.

Prof Dr ASM Matiur Rahman, advisor to a former caretaker government attended the programme as chief guest, alongside Prof Mohammad Ali, founder and secretary general of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh; and Prof Dr M Haroon-ur Rashid, president of Bangladesh Accounting Association.