‘Pakistan ranks eighth in countries with most kidney patients’

Observing World Kidney Day on Thursday, the Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT) organised a day-long public awareness programme at its Dewan Farooq Medical Centre Karachi, Primary Healthcare Centre Kathore, Chhablani Medical Centre Sukkur and SIUT Camp at the Press Club Mithi in Tharparkar.

World Kidney Day is an international event celebrated in March all over the world with the collaboration of the World Health Organisation, the International Society for Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation. This year’s theme is ‘Kidney Health: For Everyone Everywhere’.

The main objective of observing this day is to make the people aware of the importance and function of kidneys, diagnoses of kidney diseases, methods of prompt treatment and, most of all, prevention of kidney diseases by informing and educating the masses.

SIUT experts highlighted that the sharp increase in the number of kidney diseases is alarming, as an estimated 850 million people are affected with kidney diseases worldwide, resulting in 2.4 million deaths annually, making it the sixth fastest growing cause of death around the globe.

They disclosed that Pakistan ranks eighth in the list of countries that have reported the highest prevalence of kidney diseases, causing 20,000 deaths a year. They pointed out that the leading causes of chronic kidney diseases are primarily diabetes, kidney glomerular diseases and high blood pressure, while other causes include excessive use of painkillers, some hakimi medicines, genetic disorders, birth defects, stone disease, infections, environmental pollution and unhygienic conditions, and old age.

Unfortunately, most of the kidney is already damaged by the time the symptoms of a kidney disease appear. Experts said the main symptoms and features of kidney diseases include swollen face and feet, tiredness, lack of appetite, lack of concentration, blood in urine, frothy urine, vomiting and difficulty in breathing.

Explaining the cardinal measures for the prevention of kidney diseases, they advised low intake of salt and oily foods, staying hydrated, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, regular medical checkups, no consumption of alcohol and tobacco, maintaining ideal weight, controlling sugar levels for diabetic patients, controlling high blood pressure in hypertensive patients and compliance with medications as directed by physicians.

The day-long activities chalked out by the SIUT included free clinical testing like blood, urine tests, and measurement of height, weight, body mass index and blood pressure. Free checkups and consultations by medical specialists, and nutritional and dietary advices were also provided.

Lectures and tutorials related to kidney diseases were delivered throughout the day. Distribution of educational material to create awareness among the masses about kidney ailments was also carried out.

Those who spoke during the public awareness programme included Dr Sarfraz Sarwar, Dr Munawar Khaliq, diabetologist Dr Sobia Naheed, Dr Fouzia Mushtaq and dietician Naila Rasheed. The event was attended by a large number of people.