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Media Release

Udupi, Jan 6: Liver diseases often advance quietly until symptoms become obvious and difficult to ignore. At this stage, treatment options feel overwhelming. This burden can be greatly reduced with early diagnosis and comprehensive care.

In response to this growing challenge and the urgent need for specialised care closer to home, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, a teaching hospital of KMC Manipal and a unit of MAHE, has launched the Manipal Integrated Liver and Transplant Clinic, strengthening access to advanced liver care for the region.

The clinic marks the introduction of liver transplant services at the hospital for the first time. The clinic will be held on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 am to 4 pm at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. For many patients and families, this means expert evaluation, guidance, and continuity of care are now available closer to home, without the strain of long-distance travel.

The clinic brings together specialists from Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and Manipal Hospital, located on Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, offering a coordinated and patient-centered approach. It is led by Dr Jayanth Reddy, lead consultant - HPB & Liver and Pancreatic Transplant, and Dr Shruthi H S Reddy, consultant - HPB & Liver and Pancreatic Transplant, from Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, working closely with Dr Ganesh Bhat, head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and Dr Shiran Shetty, professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. 

Speaking on the launch, Dr Jayanth Reddy said, “Liver diseases are increasing across India, especially fatty liver and cirrhosis. Many patients are referred late because specialist services are not easily available nearby. With this clinic, our goal is to identify problems early, provide clear guidance to patients, and assess transplant needs at the right time. Starting liver transplant services at Kasturba Hospital is an important step for patients in this region. Nearly 40% of liver damage cases are linked to alcohol consumption, while fatty liver disease is another major cause. In India, an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people require liver transplants annually, but only around 900 donors are available. Last year, 198 organ donations were recorded in Karnataka, the highest in the state so far. I am confident this program will be successful.”

The clinic will support patients with acute and chronic liver disease, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and its complications, ascites, liver tumours and cancer, hepatorenal syndrome, complex liver disorders, children with liver-related conditions, and patients who need pre- or post-transplant care.

Highlighting the broader vision, Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, chief operating officer, Manipal cluster, said, “Our focus has always been on improving access to advanced and ethical healthcare. This integrated clinic brings together clinical expertise, infrastructure, and academic strength, ensuring that patients receive high-quality liver and transplant care in a coordinated and patient-friendly manner. Liver surgeries are often perceived as expensive, leading many patients to delay or avoid seeking timely treatment. As a teaching hospital, we are able to offer these advanced and complex procedures at a significantly lower cost, making specialised liver and transplant care more affordable and accessible to patients from all sections of society.”

Dr Ganesh Bhat, HoD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, said, “Maintaining an ideal body weight helps the liver return to a normal condition. There are two types of liver donors - deceased donors and living donors from the patient’s family with a matching blood group. Liver transplantation must be done at the right time. With a well-trained medical team and comprehensive facilities, patients need not travel to Bengaluru, as we also provide complete post-transplant care.”

The launch was announced at a press briefing attended by senior leadership, including Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, along with clinicians and administrators.

With this initiative, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, further strengthens its role as a trusted regional referral centre for advanced liver care—serving patients from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, coastal Karnataka, and neighbouring regions with greater continuity, compassion, and confidence.

Patients experiencing persistent liver-related symptoms, living with known liver conditions, or advised to seek further evaluation are encouraged to seek timely care. Early intervention can change outcomes and, often, lives.

Dr Shruthi H S Reddy, consultant, HPB & Liver and Pancreatic Transplant Surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru; and Dr Shiran Shetty, professor and unit head, Department of Gastroenterology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, were present on the occasion.

Prior appointment is mandatory.

For appointments and enquiries, please call 6364469750 or visit www.khmanipal.com.