New Delhi – Experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) warn that India faces a rapidly increasing burden of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. They are calling for a stronger focus on early detection, prevention, and timely treatment across the country. This urgent call comes ahead of the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026, which India will host for the first time in New Delhi from September 30 to October 3, 2026.
Rising Metabolic and Lifestyle Diseases
India is experiencing a significant shift in its disease landscape. While improvements in hygiene, vaccination, and public health measures have helped control many communicable diseases, metabolic and lifestyle-related gastrointestinal conditions are now emerging as major health concerns. Dr. Pramod Garg, Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition at AIIMS, highlighted this change. "India is facing an epidemiological shift at this time," he stated. "We are now seeing metabolic disease on a scale we have never handled before."[10net+4]
Fatty liver disease has become a particularly worrying issue. An AIIMS-led systematic review and meta-analysis found this condition in 38.6 percent of Indian adults and 35.4 percent of children. Dr. Shalimar, a professor in the Department of Gastroenterology at AIIMS, explained that fatty liver disease is closely linked to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. It can remain undetected until significant liver damage has already occurred. Arecent study also alarmingly reported that one in four patients with Type 2 diabetes has clinically significant liver fibrosis.[health+17]
The Indian government recognized the seriousness of fatty liver disease. It included the condition in its National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in 2021. Following this, guidelines for screening and detection at the primary care level were issued. Dr. Garg emphasized that early identification is possible if people undergo proper evaluation. He urged a shift from just treating illness to actively promoting preventive healthcare.[10net+16]
Growing Cancer Cases and Persistent Infections
Colorectal cancer is another increasing concern, with doctors noting a rise in cases among younger adults. India recorded 40,430 new cases among men and 24,433 among women in 2022. Experts advise people not to ignore warning signs like blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. Dr. Govind Makharia, a professor at AIIMS and Chairman of the local organising committee for WCOG 2026, stressed that persistent gastrointestinal symptoms require medical evaluation. He cautioned against dismissing them as routine problems.[10net+19]
Beyond metabolic conditions, persistent infections also contribute significantly to India's GI disease burden. Helicobacter pylori, associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, remains widespread. Intestinal worm infestations continue to affect children, leading to issues like anemia and undernutrition.[10net+10]
Conditions such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), once considered uncommon in India, are now being diagnosed more frequently. An AIIMS-led community study in northern India found celiac disease in approximately one in 96 people. Dr. Vineet Ahuja, Professor at AIIMS and Secretary General of the Crohn's Colitis Foundation of India, noted the change. He said that IBD and celiac disease were "textbook rarities" during his training but are now seen every week.[10net+18]
Global Perspective and Future Action
The global burden of gastroenterology diseases is also on the rise. Almost every third person in the world experiences some gastrointestinal or liver disease-related symptoms. Globally, approximately every second person is infected with Helicobacter pylori, and every third person is infested by worms. Fatty liver disease affects every third person worldwide.[biospectrumindia+1]
Dr. Makharia highlighted a critical challenge in India. "India has never been short of gastroenterologists or technology," he said. "What we have lacked is the habit of taking early symptoms seriously." He urged that any symptom persisting beyond two to three weeks should be medically evaluated.[biospectrumindia+4]
The upcoming World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 will bring together specialists globally to discuss these changing patterns of digestive diseases. The event will focus on advancements in diagnostics, endoscopy, treatments, gut microbiome research, and AI-enabled healthcare. Experts believe that early evaluation of persistent symptoms and timely preventive actions can detect and manage many gastrointestinal conditions before they become severe. This proactive approach is essential to address India's growing GI disease burden and improve public health outcomes.[healthandme+15]
