Experts Emphasize on Early Screening and Awareness as Crucial in Combatting Chronic Kidney Disease at the Kidney Care Summit

The Virtual Summit was initiated by IHW Council and RG Hospitals to Commemorate World Kidney Day

New Delhi, March, 13: Early detection and screening coupled with awareness on preventive lifestyle habits is the key towards kidney health, concluded the experts, at the Kidney Care Summit 2024. The virtual summit was organised by Integrated Health and Wellbeing Council and supported by RG Hospitals on the eve of World Kidney Day, a day observed on the second Thursday of March to promote awareness and educate people on the imperative role that kidney health plays in the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.

While discussing about kidney stones as the major risk factor for CKD, Dr. Manish Singla, Chief Urologist, RG Hospital, New Delhi cleared many myths and misconceptions related to kidney stones and said that, “Patient counselling along with initiating multi-disciplinary approach in managing CKD can ensure better health outcomes for individuals”.
In India, nearly 5.8 million people die every year from NCDs, that include different kinds of kidney ailments as well.

Several studies have also estimated that the number of new patients diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) in India is also over 100,000 per year and kidney diseases exert significant pressure on the out -of -pocket expenditure incurred by a majority of the patients.

While taking part in the inaugural session titled Overview of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India: Current Challenges and Future Directions, Dr Urvashi Prasad, Director, Office of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog observed that public private partnership can provide better opportunities for integrated kidney health management instead of working in silos. She further elaborated that “Focusing on prevention is indeed crucial, especially in large populations where the burden on healthcare systems can be overwhelming and hence prevention can play a key role in bringing down sheer numbers as well as the cost involved.”

Experts have observed that lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, high stress levels, and inadequate sleep can also have negative effects on kidney health. Many of these factors can be avoided through the adoption of a healthier and more active lifestyle, which can lead to sustainable improvements.

In keeping with the theme of the World Kidney Day 2024, this year “Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice” the summit saw fruitful discussions on accessibility and affordability in innovative kidney care and management as well as strategies for bridging regional inequality in kidney care in the country.

While commencing the summit Mr. Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council said, “In addressing kidney ailments, prioritizing prevention over treatment through healthy lifestyle choices is paramount.

Nonetheless, it’s equally crucial to create a supportive and enabling environment for chronic kidney patients and their caregivers, while also guaranteeing accessible and affordable kidney care that leaves no one behind.”

Over the past few years, there has been a steady rise in the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India. This increase can be attributed to factors such as rising life expectancy and the prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses. CKD has now emerged as one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in the country. The estimated prevalence of CKD stands at around 800 cases per million people.

Mr Avinash Ojha – MD & CEO of the RG Hospitals Group, complimented the doctors for ever improving clinical outcomes and surgical techniques as far as kidney health is concerned. He also observed that technological advancements and use of AI can ensure better health outcomes and shortened “Diagnosis to Treatment Cycle” for patients.