Medical experts have identified the late diagnosis of kidney diseases as a critical obstacle in combating the rising burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India. This urgent public health challenge was the central focus at the Indian Society of Nephrology Annual Conference held in Lucknow on Saturday.
The Silent Progression of Kidney Disease
Addressing the media at the conference hosted by the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Professor Narayan Prasad, the organising secretary and head of nephrology at SGPGI, shared alarming data. He revealed that in nearly 60% of CKD cases, significant damage is only identified after patients have already lost two-thirds of their kidney function. The primary reason for this delay is that early-stage CKD is largely asymptomatic, leaving individuals completely unaware of the progressing disease.
Professor Prasad emphasised a remarkably simple and affordable solution for early screening. Experts recommend a urine protein test every six months, which costs a mere Rs 20 to 50. When combined with careful management of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, this test serves as a powerful tool for early detection. He added that this can be particularly helpful in identifying CKD of unknown origin, which accounts for roughly 19% of kidney diseases in India.
A Call for Structured Prevention and Awareness
The conference sessions strongly advocated for widespread, population-level screening programs and structured prevention initiatives. Special attention was urged for individuals with diabetes and hypertension, as they face a significantly higher risk of developing kidney disorders.
To build a culture of prevention, experts proposed observing the second Sunday of April as 'National Kidney Disease Prevention Day'. This initiative aims to boost public awareness and encourage proactive health check-ups. Furthermore, Professor Ravi Shankar Kushwaha stressed the need to integrate a preventive nephrology curriculum into medical education, making kidney health a routine part of healthcare practice.
Transplants, Technology, and Maternal Health
On the topic of organ transplantation, Professor Prasad noted that India ranks third globally in kidney transplants. Within the country, Uttar Pradesh performs about 400 such transplants annually across all its centres. While a 16% increase in transplants from brain-dead donors was welcomed, such procedures remain limited. He called for stronger public awareness campaigns, improved organ donation infrastructure, and supportive policies to expand access to these life-saving procedures.
Promoting self-reliance, specialists also urged for 'Make in India' initiatives in nephrology. This would encourage the domestic production of essential supplies like peritoneal dialysis fluids, haemodialysis technologies, and dialysis equipment.
Highlighting another critical concern, Professor Prasad warned about kidney injury risks related to maternal health. He stated that kidney injury during pregnancy, delivery, or the postpartum period can occur due to complications like excessive bleeding, sepsis, unsafe abortions, or prolonged low blood pressure.
