GMC B’la starts maiden Fibroscan test facility

Srinagar, Apr 23: In order to facilitate patient care for the people and to improve the diagnosis of liver diseases, Government Medical College Baramulla has started the latest Fibroscan test facility which has come as a relief for 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 well in advance.
“It is the latest Fibroscan that we have installed here; it helps in detecting liver diseases non-invasively. It is similar to an ultrasound and takes only a few minutes, playing a key role in early diagnosis of such diseases,” he said.
The latest test is costly and the medical college authorities have ensured its availability at GMC Baramulla for the betterment of patients. Earlier patients had to travel to Srinagar for the test. With this facility the people have got relief.
Dr Hilal said that the liver diseases are on rise saying that the Fibroscan was crucial at the hospital. He said that 30-40 percent of patients come to the OPD with fatty liver and other liver diseases. It is aimed to ensure screening to enable early detection of diseases.
“Many patients do not know they have liver diseases as they do not have pain. We can pick the patients with this testing facility and we can plan the treatment accordingly,” he said.
Officials stated that those in need of a Fibroscan can visit the hospital on specific days and they are going to announce those days and patients will be accommodated.
Dr Hilal thanked Lieutenant Governor, Secretary Health and Medical Education Department and principal GMC Baramulla for their efforts in the setting up of the facility.
This is the first machine in north Kashmir and GMC Baramulla has become the first hospital to have it here for better care and to allow patients to have timely diagnosis.
The local residents have also praised the initiative and stressed that the availability of the Fibroscan will further improve patient services, particularly in timely disease diagnosis.
“Earlier, such patients used to go to Srinagar hospitals and it was unaffordable for many. Now the facility is available and people should take the advantage of the same,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla.