GMC B’la sets up Fibroscan test center – Rising Kashmir

Srinagar, April 23: To facilitate people’s patient care and improve diagnosis of liver diseases, Government Medical College Baramulla has established the latest Fibroscan test center which has come as a relief to the people of north Kashmir.
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor, GMC Baramulla said that the latest machine has been installed recently and it will be effective in detecting liver diseases early.
“It’s the latest Fibroscan we have installed here; helps in detecting liver diseases non-invasively. It is similar to an ultrasound examination and takes only a few minutes, playing an important role in the early diagnosis of such diseases,” he said.
The latest test is expensive and the medical college authorities have ensured that it is available at GMC Baramulla for the betterment of patients. Early patients had to travel to Srinagar for examination. With this facility, the people have found relief.
Dr. Hilal said that liver diseases are increasing saying that Fibroscan was important in the hospital. He said that 30-40 percent of patients come to the OPD with fatty liver and other liver diseases. It aims to ensure screening to enable early detection of diseases.
“Many patients do not know they have liver disease because they do not have pain. We can select patients with this testing center and we can plan the treatment accordingly,” he said.
Officials said that those who need Fibroscan can visit the hospital on specific days and they will announce those days and patients will be served.
Dr. Hilal thanked the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary Department of Health and Medical Education and the head of GMC Baramulla for their efforts in establishing the center.
This is the first machine in north Kashmir and GMC Baramulla has become the first hospital to have it here for better care and allowing patients to be identified on time.
Residents of the area have also praised the initiative and emphasized that the availability of Fibroscan will further improve patient services, especially in the timely diagnosis of diseases.
“Earlier, such patients used to go to hospitals in Srinagar and it was difficult for many. Now the facility is available and people should take the same opportunity,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla.