Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Mar 12: On the occasion of World Kidney Day, observed globally, Indiana Hospital & Heart Institute highlighted the importance of early kidney screening and public awareness to reduce the growing burden of kidney diseases.
Senior consultant nephrologist and kidney transplant physician Dr Pradeep K J and consultant nephrologist Dr Anvitha Varmudi urged the public to focus on early detection and regular health check-ups to prevent long-term complications of kidney disease.
Speaking on this year’s theme, Kidney Health for All – Caring for People and Protecting the Planet, the doctors noted that cases of chronic kidney disease are increasing in India. They explained that kidney disease often remains a silent illness until it reaches an advanced stage, making early screening and awareness extremely important.
The doctors emphasized that regular health check-ups—especially for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors—can help detect kidney problems early and prevent serious complications. They recommended routine tests such as serum creatinine, blood sugar tests, urine analysis, and abdominal ultrasound to assess kidney function and detect damage at an early stage.
While dialysis can improve the quality of life for patients with kidney failure, it does not cure the disease and often requires lifelong treatment. However, kidney transplantation can help patients return to a more normal and active life.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often referred to as a silent killer. The doctors stressed that CKD can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, and managing blood sugar levels, particularly among high-risk individuals.
The nephrology department of Indiana Hospital provides comprehensive kidney care services including clinical nephrology, critical care nephrology, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. The department has a strong history of pioneering nephrology services in coastal Karnataka and north Kerala, particularly in peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis, and kidney transplantation.
Facilities available at the hospital include evaluation and treatment of various kidney diseases, acute peritoneal dialysis, 24-hour haemodialysis for both acute and chronic kidney failure, kidney biopsy, kidney transplantation, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), paediatric nephrology services, transplant programmes involving both living and deceased donors, Slow Low-Efficiency Dialysis (SLED), plasmapheresis, and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT).
On this occasion, Indiana Hospital has announced a special kidney screening package priced at Rs 999, reduced from Rs 2,250, available for two days on March 13 and 14.
The hospital advised people with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, kidney stones, or previous kidney-related problems to undergo screening to detect any potential issues at an early stage.