World Kidney Day, an annual observance held on March 13, serves as a platform to highlight the significance of kidney health and the prevention of kidney-related diseases. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, in a recent address, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these issues. He underscored the necessity of spreading awareness about kidney health, early detection, and prevention of kidney-related ailments in a post on a social media platform. Nadda further emphasized the government's commitment to healthcare access, mentioning how thousands of dialysis centers have been set up nationwide under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP). This initiative has been instrumental in providing life-saving treatment to millions across India. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the PMNDP has revolutionized dialysis care in India, ensuring treatment reaches those in need, he added.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. It is a rising public health crisis in India, with over 100,000 new cases of kidney failure reported annually. Despite affecting one in 10 adults, early detection of CKD remains low, often leading to severe complications like hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which increases the risk of heart failure. This is primarily due to the minimal symptoms in the early stages that often go unnoticed. The findings also highlighted a significant rural-urban disparity, with CKD affecting 15.34 per cent of the rural population compared to 10.65 per cent in urban areas. Proactive management, early detection, and access to effective treatments can be crucial in curbing this growing public health challenge.
Regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, controlling blood sugar, limiting salt intake, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are some of the preventive measures suggested. In the past, similar initiatives have been taken to address public health crises. For instance, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched by the government to prevent and control major non-communicable diseases. The programme emphasizes early diagnosis and management of these conditions, similar to the approach taken for CKD. In conclusion, World Kidney Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases. The government's efforts, particularly through the PMNDP, have been instrumental in providing necessary treatment to those in need.
However, the rising incidence of CKD, especially in rural areas, calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to curb this public health crisis. The emphasis on early detection and prevention, as highlighted by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, is a crucial step towards managing this growing health concern.
