Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Taking a significant step towards combating lifestyle-related illnesses, the Goa government has launched a comprehensive screening campaign that aims to assess three lakh adults for fatty liver disease over the next three years.
The programme, named **‘Liver Forever’**, is designed to identify liver-related health risks at an early stage and reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases. The initiative is being implemented through a collaboration between the State Health Department and Zydus Healthcare.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the campaign reflects the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare by focusing on early detection rather than waiting for diseases to progress into serious medical conditions.
As part of the initiative, screening services will be offered through Goa’s network of Primary Health Centres, enabling healthcare workers to reach residents at the community level. Patients requiring specialised assessment or treatment will be referred to Goa Medical College, which will serve as the programme’s central referral facility.
The screening drive will focus on identifying individuals suffering from metabolic liver disorders commonly associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other lifestyle-related conditions. Medical professionals have increasingly flagged such disorders as a growing health concern because they often remain undetected until complications arise.
Officials said the programme will cover a substantial section of Goa’s adult population and is expected to significantly improve the State’s ability to detect liver disease before it advances to more severe stages.
To improve monitoring and follow-up care, information gathered during screenings will be linked with existing public health records. This will help healthcare authorities track high-risk individuals and coordinate treatment for patients already living with metabolic disorders.
The initiative extends beyond simple diagnosis. Participants identified as vulnerable will receive guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications, along with medical support and periodic follow-up to help prevent disease progression.
According to Rane, the project is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases and promoting healthier communities across Goa.
Healthcare officials believe that widespread awareness and early intervention can play a critical role in preventing liver complications that often emerge silently and become difficult to manage in later stages.
Swati Dalal, Managing Director of Zydus Healthcare Ltd, said the partnership seeks to improve public awareness, strengthen diagnostic capabilities and support better disease management through coordinated healthcare efforts.
Authorities hope the initiative will not only improve liver health outcomes but also encourage citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, helping reduce the impact of chronic diseases on the State’s healthcare system in the years ahead.
