The Medicity, recognised as India’s top private hospital by Newsweek for six consecutive years, conducted a high-impact awareness session in Siliguri to address the alarming rise of pediatric liver diseases. Led by Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplant at Medanta, the session focused on the urgent need for early diagnosis and lifestyle intervention to tackle conditions like MASLD (Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), biliary atresia, and pediatric pancreatitis.
Speaking at the event, Dr. B.C Roy National Awardee – Dr. Neelam Mohan 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.”
Siliguri has seen a steady increase in pediatric liver-related OPD cases—18 to 25 each month—indicating rising awareness but also the need for stronger early screening measures and timely referrals. Medanta’s ongoing outreach aims to bridge critical awareness gaps and foster healthier futures for children across India. Regular OPDs are now held at the New-born & Child Care Clinic, Burdwan Road.
