Mumbai, India – 2025: In a rare convergence of medicine and mainstream recognition, Dr. Chetan Kalal, Consultant Hepatologist at the Institute of Liver Diseases, Mumbai, has been honored by the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitrapat Union in 2025 for his contributions to liver medicine and public health awareness.
While traditionally associated with cinematic excellence, the recognition reflects the growing acknowledgment of healthcare professionals whose work significantly impacts society.
Academic & Professional Background
Dr. Kalal hails from the Khandesh region of Maharashtra and completed his MBBS in Dhule before moving to Mumbai in 2007 to pursue his MD at KEM Hospital. He later obtained his DM in Hepatology from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi — becoming Maharashtra’s first DM Hepatologist.
He has also undergone advanced clinical exposure in the United States and the United
Kingdom, strengthening his expertise in complex liver disorders and transplant hepatology
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Kalal manages the full spectrum of liver diseases, including:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Viral hepatitis (B & C)
- Cirrhosis and portal hypertension
- Liver cancer
- Liver transplant evaluation and pre/post-transplant care
His practice emphasizes early fibrosis detection, metabolic risk correction, and evidence-based intervention.
Research & International Recognition
Dr. Kalal has authored over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications in national and international medical journals.
He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Foundation Award, one of the highest recognitions in global hepatology research.
In addition to academic publications, he has actively contributed to international clinical trials aimed at advancing therapies for chronic liver disease.
Liver Transplant Landscape in India
India performs approximately 5,000 liver transplants annually, with nearly 90% being living donor transplants. When performed at experienced centers and at appropriate clinical timing, survival rates approach 90–95%.
Dr. Kalal emphasizes timely referral, structured evaluation, and multidisciplinary management as key determinants of transplant outcomes.
Public Health Advocacy
With India witnessing a sharp rise in lifestyle-driven liver disease, Dr. Kalal actively promotes awareness regarding:
- Early fibrosis screening
- Diabetes and fatty liver linkage
- Alcohol-related liver injury
- Avoidance of unsupervised medication use
- Preventive vaccination for viral hepatitis
He regularly engages in public education initiatives focused on prevention and early diagnosis.
Recognition Beyond Medicine
The Dadasaheb Phalke Chitrapat Union honor represents a symbolic acknowledgment of the role physicians play in safeguarding public health. It underscores the intersection of discipline, dedication, and societal impact beyond conventional professional boundaries.
From his beginnings in Khandesh to national and international recognition, Dr. Chetan Kalal’s career reflects a sustained commitment to clinical excellence, research advancement, and ethical patient care.
