The Rising Crisis of Liver Disease in Nepal: Expert Insights from Dr. Bikash Jaishi

12th January 2026, Kathmandu

In recent years, Nepal has seen a concerning spike in liver-related ailments.1 From lifestyle-induced fatty liver to viral hepatitis, the burden on public health is growing.

Liver Disease in Nepal

However, there is a silver lining: 99% of liver disease treatments are now available within Nepal, often at a fraction of the cost found abroad.

We sat down with Dr. Bikash Jaishi, a Senior Hepatologist and Liver Specialist, to discuss the current landscape of liver health, the costs of transplantation, and how Nepalese citizens can protect themselves.

The Current Scale of Liver Disease in Nepal

While Nepal lacks a centralized database for liver patients, clinical trends are alarming. Dr. Jaishi notes that in the 20 to 60-year-old age group, approximately 20% to 30% of the population suffers from some form of liver issue.

“The prevalence has increased significantly compared to previous decades,” says Dr. Jaishi. “The shift toward sedentary lifestyles and processed diets is a primary driver.”

Common Causes: Why is the Liver Failing?

According to Dr. Jaishi, the destruction of the liver in the Nepalese context is usually triggered by:

• Alcohol Consumption: Still the leading cause of cirrhosis in the country.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Driven by obesity, junk food, and lack of physical exercise.
• Hepatitis B & C: Viral infections that often go undetected until significant damage is done.
• Medication Abuse: The dangerous habit of consuming painkillers and certain Ayurvedic herbs without a doctor’s prescription.

Liver Transplantation in Nepal: Cost and Success Rates

For patients with end-stage liver failure, a transplant is often the only hope. One of the most significant breakthroughs in Nepalese healthcare is the affordability and success of this procedure.

Advertisement

• Cost Comparison
• Location Estimated Cost (NPR)
• Nepal Rs. 25–30 Lakhs
• India Rs. 50–60 Lakhs
• Survival Rates Post-Transplant

Dr. Jaishi shares encouraging statistics for those undergoing the procedure:

• 1-Year Survival: 100%
• 5-Year Survival: 75%
• 10-Year Survival: 50%

Note on Donation: In Nepal, liver donation is strictly regulated.4 Livers cannot be purchased; they must be donated by a close family member (parents, siblings, spouse, or children).

Viral Hepatitis: The Silent Killers

Dr. Jaishi emphasizes the distinction between Hepatitis B and C, both of which are prevalent in Nepal:

• Hepatitis B: Most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth or through infected blood and needles.
• Hepatitis C: Highly prevalent among intravenous (IV) drug users due to needle sharing.

The good news? Hepatitis C is now 100% curable with modern medicine available in Nepal. Similarly, all global standard medications for Hepatitis B are now accessible to Nepalese patients, reducing the need for “medical tourism” to other countries.

Acute vs. Chronic: When is it an Emergency?

Liver failure generally falls into two categories:

• Acute Liver Failure: Occurs suddenly (within 6 months). If a patient shows signs of jaundice followed by unconsciousness (hepatic encephalopathy), it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Chronic Liver Disease: A slow progression where the liver sustains damage over 20 to 40 years, eventually leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Doctor’s Tips for a Healthy Liver

• To ensure your liver remains functional for a lifetime, Dr. Jaishi recommends:
• Zero Alcohol: Avoid alcohol to prevent inflammation.
• Weight Management: Maintain a healthy BMI to avoid fatty liver.
• Avoid Self-Medication: Never take “over-the-counter” painkillers or herbal remedies without consulting a specialist.

Regular Screening: A simple Liver Function Test (LFT) and a Video X-ray (Ultrasound) can detect problems before they become irreversible.

Conclusion

With 99% of treatments available locally, Nepalese patients no longer need to feel hopeless or travel abroad for world-class care. By making small lifestyle changes and seeking early medical advice from experts like Dr. Bikash Jaishi, liver disease can be managed and even defeated.

For more: Liver Disease in Nepal