Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 12: On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Adarsha Hospital, in association with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Udupi Karavali, organized an awareness programme and free health camp for women at the hospital premises on March 12.
The camp was inaugurated by Dr Ashok Kumar, president of IMA Udupi Karavali, by lighting the traditional lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ashok Kumar said that the main objective of observing World Kidney Day is to create awareness among people about the prevention of kidney diseases. He emphasized that prevention should begin at an early age through proper food habits and healthy lifestyle.
“Children must be made aware of kidney health. Lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, sugar and salt, the five ‘S’ play a major role in causing kidney diseases. By controlling these factors, we can prevent many kidney-related problems. Parents also play a vital role in teaching healthy food habits to their children,” he said.
Delivering the awareness talk, Dr Megha Pai, consultant nephrologist, explained the importance of kidneys and their role in the human body. She said that World Kidney Day is not merely a celebration but an important awareness campaign. “Kidneys act as the body’s natural blood purifier, filtering waste from the blood and removing it through urine. They also help regulate blood pressure and maintain the body’s intake–output balance,” she noted. She further stated that despite its crucial role, the kidney remains a neglected organ due to lack of awareness among people about preventive measures. She also spoke about dialysis and the various forms of dialysis available for patients suffering from kidney failure.
Highlighting the social aspect of kidney health, Dr Megha Pai added that women often neglect their own health while caring for their families. “Just as the kidney is a neglected organ, women are often neglected in society when it comes to health care. Such awareness programmes are therefore very important. According to statistics, nearly 80 percent of kidney donors are women, while around 80 percent of kidney transplant recipients are men,” she said.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director Adarsha Hospital Udupi, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of educating the public about kidney diseases. He said that Adarsha Hospital regularly organizes community-oriented programmes to promote health awareness. “More than 10 percent of the population suffers from kidney-related problems that mean one in every ten people may have kidney issues. If chronic kidney disease is not detected and treated early, the consequences can be devastating. When the condition progresses to dialysis or kidney transplant, it can severely affect the financial stability of a patient’s family,” he said. He further pointed out that diabetes and high blood pressure are the two major causes of kidney disease. “By controlling blood pressure and diabetes, we can significantly reduce the risk of kidney problems,” he added.
The health camp, held from 8 am to 12 pm, offered free Hb, serum creatinine, random blood sugar (RBS) tests, and nephrology consultation for women.
The programme began with the invocation by Amrutha and Adhithyalakshmi. Assistant manager Prakash delivered the vote of thanks. Anushree Acharya compered the event.
Dr Suhas G C, director Adarsha Hospital Udupi, staff members and others were present on the occasion.