New Delhi, January 14, 2026
Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh inaugurated several key public health initiatives on the occasion of the 16th Foundation Day of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), aimed at strengthening liver disease prevention, awareness, and patient education in the national capital.
The initiatives launched include the ‘Liver Gyaan’ helpline, the patient-centric Hepatology Handbook, and ‘The Delhi Model: Healthy Liver, Healthy Delhi’ campaign, a comprehensive 18-month screening and awareness program targeting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). These efforts reflect Delhi Government’s focus on improving healthcare accessibility and health literacy among citizens.
Dr. Singh congratulated ILBS Director Dr. S.K. Sareen and his team for their continued leadership in liver care and their commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centric services. He praised ILBS as a center of excellence that ensures vulnerable patients receive dignified and timely treatment.
During the event, Dr. Sareen highlighted the transformative impact of Delhi Health Ministry initiatives over the past year, noting that efforts typically achieved in five years were successfully implemented in just one. These include expanding healthcare facilities, strengthening primary health infrastructure, and rapidly scaling the Ayushman Arogya Mandal network across the city.
The newly launched ‘Liver Gyaan’ helpline (toll-free 1800115354) will provide citizens with guidance, quick support, and technical assistance related to liver health. The patient-focused Hepatology Handbook, prepared by ILBS experts, aims to improve health literacy by offering practical insights into diagnosis, treatment protocols, and general liver care.
Commenting on the challenges faced by patients and their families, Dr. Singh said, “Anyone who witnesses the long treatment process or extended dialysis sessions for liver patients understands the immense physical and mental burden on families. My priority as Delhi’s Health Minister is to ensure accessible and high-quality healthcare services for all citizens. Institutions like ILBS are a source of pride, as they provide meaningful relief and dignity to patients, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.”
He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to expand EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quotas to ensure that more underserved families can access quality treatment without hurdles. Dr. Singh also highlighted initiatives to improve hospital infrastructure, patient services, cleanliness, and overall healthcare discipline, underlining the administration’s commitment to a more humane and sensitive healthcare system.
The Minister reiterated Delhi Government’s commitment to public-centered healthcare, with particular focus on increasing health literacy, early disease detection, and community outreach through the expansion of Arogya Mandal clinics. He stated that recognizing Delhi’s healthcare excellence at national and international levels motivates the government to further strengthen services for every family relying on the system.
The Foundation Day event underlined Delhi’s proactive approach to liver health and public awareness. By combining community outreach, technological support, and patient education, the new initiatives aim to empower citizens with knowledge, improve early detection of liver diseases, and ensure timely access to treatment.
Dr. Singh concluded by emphasizing that sustainable improvements in healthcare require continuous investment in both infrastructure and public awareness. He called on all stakeholders to leverage these initiatives to promote a healthier Delhi, reinforcing the city’s commitment to preventive care, patient education, and inclusive healthcare delivery.
The launch of these programs on ILBS Foundation Day highlights the synergy between specialized medical institutions and government-led public health initiatives, positioning Delhi as a leader in patient-centric liver care and innovative healthcare delivery.
