Silent Pandemic: India's Kidney Crisis Missed

Kidney diseases in India are frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, often when dialysis is the only option. This reality was highlighted at a conclave marking 50 years of nephrology in India, where the focus was on the urgent need for early detection. Progressive kidney disease impacts about 5-6% of the population, necessitating a shift towards screening vulnerable groups, including individuals with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history of kidney issues. Simple, widely available, and affordable tests like serum creatinine blood tests and albumin urine tests can identify early damage, yet many at-risk patients remain unscreened.

Chronic kidney disease is described as a "silent pandemic," with rising numbers of diabetics, hypertensive individuals, and those with unhealthy lifestyles contributing to the burden. Novel risk factors such as air pollution and extreme heat are also emerging, with younger individuals increasingly affected. While the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme provides extensive free dialysis services, doctors stress that dialysis is a late-stage intervention. Poor communication between doctors and patients was also identified as a concern, with many patients not understanding their medication or its side effects, potentially leading to non-adherence. The Kidney Warrior Foundation, born from a personal tragedy, advocates for better prevention policies and supports affected families facing significant financial strain.