Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah presided as Chief Guest at a special program organized by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) to mark World Liver Day in New Delhi. The event, attended by dignitaries including Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, underscored the critical importance of liver health and the role of holistic lifestyle practices in maintaining overall wellbeing.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the liver’s vital function within the human body, describing it as the organ with unparalleled regenerative ability and the “gateway to a healthy body.” He called upon attendees to pledge vigilance, awareness, and informed practices to ensure liver health, emphasizing that proactive care involving adequate water intake, balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can significantly enhance quality of life.
The Minister shared his personal experience of adopting a healthier lifestyle since May 2020, attributing positive changes in his life to disciplined habits. Encouraging young individuals to prioritize their health, he expressed optimism that awareness campaigns such as those undertaken by ILBS would inspire collective action toward better liver care. He also urged individuals to consider regular testing for Vitamin E levels during routine checkups, emphasizing its significance for liver health.
During his address, Amit Shah lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives aimed at fostering a healthy India. He noted that over the past decade, the Modi government has launched comprehensive health programs rooted in a holistic approach, including the promotion of preventive care through the Ministry of AYUSH. He acknowledged the increasing integration of AYUSH practices within major allopathic hospitals and praised Modi’s efforts in advancing public health, including financial provisions of up to five hundred thousand rupees for treatment costs under government schemes.
The Minister also announced the launch of ILBS’s innovative HEALED scheme, which is set to enhance public awareness and education on liver health. He expressed confidence that the scheme would gain widespread recognition and impact nationwide. Drawing from the teachings in ancient Indian texts, he referred to the Vedic mantra “Aahaar Hi Aushdhi Hai,” translating to “food is medicine,” and reiterated the importance of diet as a cornerstone of health.
Highlighting the government’s extensive investments in healthcare infrastructure, Amit Shah revealed that sixty-five billion rupees have been allocated to build a robust healthcare system, ensuring that every Primary Health Center and Community Health Center operates as a fully equipped facility. He detailed advancements in generic medicine distribution through fifteen thousand Jan Aushadhi Centers, providing affordable options to citizens. He also pointed to significant achievements under Mission Indradhanush, which has facilitated free vaccination for millions of children and mothers across India.
Amit Shah further noted the success of the e-Sanjeevani app in delivering over thirty million digital medical consultations to rural regions, as well as the expansion of critical medical institutions. He highlighted the growth of medical colleges from 387 in 2014 to 780 in 2025, the substantial increase in MBBS seats from fifty-one thousand to one hundred eighteen thousand, and plans for an additional seventy-five thousand seats. Postgraduate medical seats have similarly surged from thirty-one thousand to seventy-four thousand during the same period.
Turning to corporate and media engagement, the Minister called on the business community to prioritize liver health awareness within their Corporate Social Responsibility programs and urged media outlets to amplify public health messages alongside their regular entertainment content. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between ILBS and premier government hospitals like AIIMS to further advance liver-related education and patient guidance.
As the program concluded, Amit Shah underscored the need for collective commitment toward building a healthier nation. He reassured citizens that the Modi government remains dedicated to advancing healthcare initiatives that complement individual efforts in maintaining wellness. Through this event, the Home Minister projected a vision of healthier, more informed communities ready to embrace holistic lifestyles and proactive health measures.
