In a major initiative to raise public awareness about liver health, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, led the “Liver Health Pledge Ceremony” at a dedicated health camp organized at Nirman Bhawan on the occasion of World Liver Day 2025. The event, centered around the theme “Food is Medicine,” highlighted the vital link between nutrition and maintaining a healthy liver.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare; Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services; Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS); and Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Union Health Minister Highlights Importance of Liver Health
Speaking on the occasion, Shri J.P. Nadda emphasized the critical role the liver plays in digestion, detoxification, and energy storage. “If the liver is not healthy, the entire body suffers,” he said, underlining how liver issues—particularly fatty liver disease—can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
However, the Minister stressed that the good news lies in prevention and reversibility. “Fatty liver is largely preventable and, in many cases, reversible through a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle,” he noted.
PM Modi’s Appeal to Cut Oil Usage Echoed in the Pledge
Reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal during ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Shri Nadda encouraged citizens to reduce oil usage in cooking by at least 10%, calling it a simple yet impactful step to protect liver health and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
He urged everyone to:
- Make informed food choices
- Get regular liver health check-ups
- Reduce edible oil intake
- Spread awareness on obesity and liver diseases
- Embrace a holistic, healthy lifestyle
Comprehensive Liver Health Camp Hosted by ILBS, FSSAI & Ministry
The Ministry, in partnership with FSSAI and ILBS, organized a comprehensive liver health camp for its officials and staff. This multidisciplinary initiative provided a wide array of medical services aimed at evaluating liver health and facilitating early detection of liver-related conditions. The camp featured the following key services:
- Clinical examinations: BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure
- Laboratory tests: Liver function tests, fasting glucose, lipid profile, Hepatitis B & C screening
- FibroScan: Non-invasive screening for liver fat and fibrosis
- Body composition analysis
- Personalized nutritional counselling focused on lowering oil and processed food consumption
FSSAI Exhibition Promotes Millets and Liver-Friendly Diets
An educational exhibition by FSSAI complemented the event, showcasing millets and a variety of liver-friendly foods in alignment with the “Food is Medicine” theme.
Key highlights of the display:
- Millets: High in fibre, antioxidants, and micronutrients; support bile secretion and improve digestion
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower—help reduce liver inflammation
- Leafy greens: Detoxifying and rich in folate
- Fatty fish: Omega-3s for anti-inflammatory benefits
- Nuts, seeds, and citrus fruits: Aid detoxification and liver function
- Healthy fats: Olive oil as a better alternative to refined oils
This initiative aimed to encourage the adoption of traditional grains and balanced nutrition to combat modern lifestyle diseases, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
Conclusion: A Collective Commitment to Liver Health
The World Liver Day 2025 observance served not just as a medical initiative but a national movement toward preventive health care. Through the Liver Health Pledge, government officials and citizens alike committed to making positive dietary and lifestyle changes.
As the country continues to face rising challenges from NCDs, the Health Ministry’s message is clear: Our plate is our medicine cabinet. With informed choices and early action, India can move toward a healthier, liver-conscious future.
