Experts echoed that early detection & screening and awareness on preventive lifestyle habits is the key towards kidney health
Integrated Health and Wellbeing Council (IHW Council), in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Apollo Hospitals, organised ‘Kidney Health Summit 2023’ to address the rising epidemic of chronic kidney diseases in India. The summit witnessed interesting panel discussions on informative topics, led by senior nephrologists, medical practitioners, government representatives, and industry experts, held virtually.
Experts echoed that early detection & screening and awareness on preventive lifestyle habits is the key towards kidney health. They also noted that lifestyle disorders like obesity, excess of stress and lack of sleep adversely impacts the kidney health. Most of these causes are preventable, if healthier and non-sedentary lifestyle is initiated as a sustainable change.
Discussing the causes of chronic kidney diseases in India, Dr Manisha Sahay, HoD- Nephrology, Osmania General Hospital & Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad said, “Almost 17 to 18 per cent of our population suffers from kidney ailments but awareness level is still low when it comes to chronic kidney diseases. Apart from diabetes and hypertension being major causes for kidney diseases, heat stress, water pollution and use of pesticides are also significant risk factors.”
Ajay Naigaonkar, Cluster Head-Acute 1, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories said, “In today’s scenario, treating chronic kidney diseases requires a holistic approach and a combined effort from various stakeholders. I am happy that this has clearly resonated in the panel discussions held as part of the summit. Driven by its purpose of ‘Good Health Can’t Wait’, Dr. Reddy’s is committed to providing access to affordable and innovative medicines.”
Dr (Prof.) A.K. Bhalla, Chairman and HoD, Department of Nephrology, Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi opined that all relevant stakeholders including pharma industry, government and nephrologists need to come together for integrated kidney health management instead of working in silos. He further elaborated the manner in which simple tests like urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) can help in detecting kidney issues at the initial stage.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s World Kidney Day 2023- “Preparing for the unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable”, the summit also saw fruitful discussions on policy regulation, accessibility and affordability in innovative kidney care management.
During his opening remarks, Kamal Narayan, CEO, IHW Council said, “When it comes to kidney ailments, prevention is indeed better than cure through healthy lifestyle choices. However, it is equally important to provide supporting and enabling environment to chronic kidney patients as well as their caregivers and at the same time ensure that kidney care is accessible and affordable and leaves no one behind.”
Dr Karan Thakur, Group Lead-Sustainability & ESG and Vice President-Public Affairs, Apollo Hospitals Group emphasised on a holistic approach along with better policy regulations and inclusive kidney care for all sections.