HEALD Initiative

The Union Home Minister recently launched the HEALD Initiative to address liver diseases across India.

Overview of the HEALD Initiative

• The HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention) initiative is a groundbreaking nationwide program aimed at combating liver disease in India.
• Initiated by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), HEALD is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral effort focused on public education, early screening, psychological and medical treatment for alcohol use disorder, and overall liver disease management.
• The program seeks to address liver disease through awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, rehabilitation, and policy integration.
• HEALD also works to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol dependency by incorporating mental health support, community outreach, and policy reform into its liver care approach.
• The initiative is based on the belief that “behind every failed liver lies a missed opportunity,” and aims to ensure no such opportunities are overlooked in the future.

Key Information About the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences

• The ILBS is a specialized tertiary care hospital located in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
• Established in 2009 by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, ILBS is an autonomous institution under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
• As a mono-specialty hospital, ILBS focuses exclusively on liver and biliary care, enabling it to provide highly specialized diagnosis and treatment for liver and biliary diseases.
• The hospital is also home to a dedicated research center.