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Liver-related diseases should not be dismissed lightly and those affected should immediately consult a doctor instead of consuming traditional medicines, said Dr. Vivekanandan, head of the Liver Department, Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital.

Participating in the inauguration of ‘Life, Once More’ organised by the hospital, he said doctors in the hospital have performed 75 liver transplants so far and “we have achieved 90 per cent success”. A liver patient support group was also launched on the occasion.

“The primary aim of the group is to offer support in every way to liver patients,” he said.

Sharing their experiences, Jina Prasad and Reji from Palakkad thanked the doctors of the hospital for their support and treatment when Jina Prasad underwent a liver transplant surgery. “My husband underwent a liver transplant four months ago and he is recovering. I was the donor and both of us are leading a normal life now,” Reji, who works as a teacher, said.

According to Dr. Nalla G. Palanisami, Chairman, KMCH, the liver unit was started in 2014. “Initially we were able to do only orthotopic liver transplant. Later we started performing donor transplants,” he added.

Actor Sivakumar, who was the chief guest, urged the people to lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent major ailments.