Siliguri, 18th June 2025: Taking a significant step towards addressing rising paediatric health concerns in Siliguri, Medanta - The Medicity, ranked as the Best Private Hospital in the country by Newsweek for six consecutive years, conducted a focused awareness session in Siliguri. The session aimed to spotlight critical gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric liver diseases in the city. Led by Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplant Physician, at Medanta, Gurugram, the session brought together paediatricians, physicians, and young doctors for an in-depth discussion on commonly overlooked paediatric liver conditions and the growing burden of lifestyle-related liver ailments in children.

India is witnessing a sharp rise in pediatric liver conditions, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now called as MASLD (Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) affecting nearly 35% of children and adolescents, driven by poor diet, high salt intake, and sedentary lifestyles. Siliguri and the Northeast region are seeing a similar surge, linked to urbanization, unhealthy eating habits, and reduced physical activity and rising screen time. These behaviors not only damage liver health but also contribute to early-onset diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic complications.  Common liver ailments in the city include fatty liver, biliary atresia, and pediatric pancreatitis—often misdiagnosed as general digestive issues, leading to delayed treatment.

Speaking at the event, Dr. B.C Roy National Awardee - Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant, Medanta said, “Awareness of pediatric liver diseases in Siliguri remains relatively low among both physicians and parents. This often results in delayed diagnosis, especially in conditions like biliary atresia—the most common liver disease in children presenting as jaundice in newborns beyond two weeks of life. Often the delayed diagnosis leads to advanced liver disease. Pancreatitis, though less common in children, is another serious condition that often goes unrecognized. 

Dr Mohan also highlighted an emerging concern about the rampant and unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially among children and added, “Self-medication and over-the-counter use of antibiotics without medical supervision is common and dangerous. It weakens liver function and the immune system—parents need to be better informed. During my monthly OPD in Siliguri, we see 18 to 25 pediatric liver and gastro-intestinal patients. There is an urgent need for better education, early screening, and timely referrals, in Siliguri and similar cities, where pediatric liver diseases often go unrecognized.”

This initiative in Siliguri is a part of Medanta’s ongoing efforts to drive awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and push for systemic changes in how pediatric liver health is addressed in India. By closing these gaps, Medanta hopes to enable better outcomes and a healthier future for affected children.