Behind the rising numbers of pediatric liver ailments in India lie the silent struggles of families—battling misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, and lack of awareness. Medanta – The Medicity, India’s leading private healthcare institution, recently conducted an awareness session in Siliguri to address these growing challenges.
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 to25 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.”
Driven by high-salt diets, inactivity, screen overuse, and rampant antibiotic misuse, liver diseases are now affecting nearly 35% of children nationwide. In her monthly Siliguri OPDs, Dr. Mohan treats 18–25 pediatric liver and gastrointestinal cases—many of which arrive late due to poor awareness and delayed referrals.
In Gangtok, too, parents are increasingly seeking answers for complex pediatric health issues. However, the city lacks specialized hepatology services, prompting families to travel to Siliguri or Kolkata for consultations. With rising health awareness and aspirations for quality care, Gangtok is emerging as a potential hub for pediatric specialty services.