Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 22: In a bid to facilitate patient care for the people in north Kashmir and to improve the diagnosis of liver diseases, the authorities have started the Fibroscan test facility at Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla.
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor at GMC Baramulla, told Excelsior that the machine, which has been installed recently, will be effective in detecting liver diseases well in advance.
“It is the latest Fibroscan that we have installed here; it helps in detecting liver diseases non-invasively; it is similar to an ultrasound and takes only a few minutes, playing a key role in early diagnosis of such diseases,” he said.
He added that while the test is costly, the authorities have ensured its availability at GMC Baramulla for the betterment of patients. “Previously, patients had to travel to Srinagar for the test; now, that hassle has been eliminated for them.”
The doctors emphasized that with the rising incidence of liver diseases, having the Fibroscan available at the hospital is crucial.
“30-40 percent of patients come to the OPD with fatty liver and other liver diseases. The goal is to ensure screening to enable early detection of diseases.”
Officials stated that those in need of a Fibroscan can visit the hospital on specific days. “We will announce those days, and patients will be accommodated.”
Locals have also praised the initiative of the authorities, emphasizing that the availability of the Fibroscan will further improve patient services, particularly in timely disease diagnosis.
”While we appreciate the authorities, especially the Secretary H&ME, Principal GMC, and the Medical Superintendent for this move, our demand for an MRI is yet to be fulfilled,” said Muhammad Shafi, a local representative of the Civil Society in Baramulla.
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