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Punjab carries one of the highest liver disease burdens in the country. Hepatitis C prevalence in the state ranges from 0.56% to as high as 3.6%, compared to a national average of around 0.3%, translating into an estimated 1.5 lakh to 10 lakh people affected. Hepatitis B prevalence stands at approximately 1–1.5%.

Mohali: Punjab has successfully conducted its first-ever liver transplant at the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS) in Mohali, marking a historic milestone in the state’s public healthcare system, the government said on Wednesday.

According to an official release, this is the first time since Independence that a Punjab government has ensured one of the most complex and expensive life-saving medical procedures is available within a publicly funded state institution, instead of being dependent on private hospitals in metropolitan cities.

Health Minister Balbir Singh said the operationalisation of liver transplant services at PILBS reflects the healthcare vision of the Bhagwant Mann government, which aims to bring advanced, high-end treatment within the reach of ordinary citizens.

“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to strengthening tertiary care in the public sector and reducing the financial and emotional burden on patients who were earlier forced to seek treatment outside the state at enormous cost,” the minister said.

Punjab carries one of the highest liver disease burdens in the country. Hepatitis C prevalence in the state ranges from 0.56% to as high as 3.6%, compared to a national average of around 0.3%, translating into an estimated 1.5 lakh to 10 lakh people affected. Hepatitis B prevalence stands at approximately 1–1.5%.

Officials said alcohol-related liver disease, which accounts for over 40% of cirrhosis cases nationally, poses an even greater challenge in Punjab due to higher alcohol consumption patterns.

With the successful liver transplant at PILBS, the state government hopes to significantly improve access to advanced liver care, reduce referrals outside Punjab, and strengthen the public health system’s capacity to deal with chronic liver diseases.