Tamil Nadu Launches NAFLD Screening Among Tribals, Aims to Screen 50,000 in Jawadhu Hills

So far, over 500 tribal residents have been screened, with 120 blood samples analysed. Preliminary findings reveal that 10–14% fall under the high-risk (FIB-4) category for liver fibrosis, a condition where long-term damage leads to scarring of the liver. These individuals will undergo fibroscan tests to confirm the extent of liver damage.

Initial screenings are being conducted through medical camps, while follow-up assessments are handled by local primary health centres. High-risk individuals will be referred to district or tertiary care hospitals for advanced diagnostics and treatment.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), now renamed as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), is the buildup of excess fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol.

Often symptomless in early stages, the disease is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle, and can progress to serious complications like liver cirrhosis or cancer if not diagnosed and managed early.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian had earlier announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the state would intensify NAFLD/MASLD screenings and provide treatment based on disease stage. The pilot study is part of a broader strategy to explore how such interventions can be made effective, scalable, and sustainable in tribal and rural areas.

The MASLD screening initiative is aligned with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) under the Union Health Ministry. Depending on their risk category, individuals will be given appropriate care from lifestyle counselling and annual follow-ups to specialist evaluation.

In addition, awareness campaigns are planned to educate the public about MASLD and encourage early diagnosis to reduce the long-term burden of liver disease.