Srinagar, Mar 12: Doctors in Kashmir on Thursday said that only a small fraction of patients requiring kidney transplants are able to access the life-saving procedure.
They warned that the number of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients has doubled over the past decade due to increasing cases of diabetes, hypertension and lifestyle-related illnesses.
On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Dr Showkat Hussian, a urologist, said thousands of patients suffering from kidney failure are left without transplant options because of the shortage of donors and limited access to transplantation facilities.
“Among nearly one lakh patients who require kidney transplants in India every year, only around five to six thousand actually receive one. That means barely five to six per cent of patients get access to this treatment while the rest continue to struggle due to lack of donors, and the same is the case in Kashmir,” he said.
He explained that once kidneys fail, the available treatment options are limited to dialysis and transplantation. Early detection of kidney disease is crucial to preventing serious complications.
“If kidney disease is detected at an early stage, we can prevent long-term damage and delay progression to kidney failure,” he said.
According to Dr Hussain, diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney failure, describing them as “silent killers” that gradually damage the kidneys without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
“Individuals suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure should remain vigilant and consult doctors if they experience warning signs such as swelling of the face or feet, fatigue, or unexplained lethargy,” he advised.
On lifestyle, Dr Hussain cautioned against excessive salt and processed food intake, advised drinking around two litres of water daily to prevent infections and kidney stones, and flagged the overuse of over-the-counter painkillers as an underappreciated cause of kidney damage. He also drew a direct line between mental health and kidney health. “Persistent stress can lead to hypertension, which is one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease,” he said.
Dr Farooq Ahmad Ganaie said CKD now accounts for two to three per cent of all deaths in India, approximately one to 1.5 lakh fatalities annually. “The patient load of chronic kidney disease has doubled over the past decade, mainly because of the rise in diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery diseases,” he said.
He said that CKD was more prevalent among those above 50, while cautioning against complacency among younger people. “There is a misconception that only people with a family history are at risk. In reality, anyone can develop kidney problems depending on lifestyle and underlying health conditions,” he said.
Doctors advised maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while avoiding excessive salt, processed foods and sugary beverages. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and managing stress were all highlighted as essential preventive measures.
Doctors also warned about conditions including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, acute kidney injury, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy, urging people to seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
World Kidney Day is observed on the second Thursday of March each year to raise awareness about kidney health and preventive care—(KNO)
