VitusCare raises concern over growing kidney disease cases among children in India

On the occasion of Children’s Day, VitusCare, a leader in renal care and dialysis services, is raising concern over the rising prevalence of kidney diseases among children in India. According to recent industry reports, approximately 4.9 per cent of children in India are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence varies across age groups: 5.6 per cent in children aged 5-9, 3.4 per cent in those aged 10-14, and 5.2 per cent in the 15-19 age group. This data highlights the need for heightened awareness, early detection, and better access to treatment options.

Common kidney conditions in children include congenital disorders, urinary tract infections, nephrotic syndrome, and glomerulonephritis. These conditions can severely impact a child’s physical and emotional health, particularly when dialysis is required at an early age. Children needing dialysis face disruptions in their education, social activities, and overall development.

Prabhat Shrivastava, Co-founder and CEO of VitusCare Medlife, commented, “The rising incidence of kidney diseases in children is a wake-up call for parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing these conditions and ensuring better outcomes for our young patients. Dialysis can be life-saving, but it also presents challenges for children and their families. Our goal is to detect and treat kidney issues early and ensure that local help is available to improve health outcomes.”

The situation is further underscored by statistics showing that approximately 1 in every 1,000 children has chronic kidney disease. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is also common in hospitalised children, affecting about 5 per cent to 10 per cent. Some children are born with kidney abnormalities, which may lead to early kidney disease. Around 70 per cent of children with CKD develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by the age of 20. The 10-year survival rate for children with ESRD is about 80 per cent, but their mortality rate is 30 times higher than that of children without ESRD.

Kidney diseases in children often develop with no obvious symptoms, making regular check-ups and early awareness essential. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s kidney health from infancy, particularly if there are risk factors such as a family history of kidney disease, hypertension, or genetic conditions. In response to this, VitusCare has been conducting several campaigns and educational drives to raise awareness of kidney issues in children.

As the concern grows, healthcare policies and resource allocation are shifting to prioritise paediatric kidney health. Initiatives include increased funding for paediatric nephrology, the creation of specialised treatment centres, and enhanced training for healthcare professionals. However, significant challenges remain, especially in underserved areas with limited access to specialised care. Geographical disparities in healthcare access continue to impact the quality of care for children with kidney diseases.

In this context, VitusCare has emerged as a leader, reaching Tier II and Tier III cities with its network of renal care specialists. The organisation has helped thousands of children across its centres manage their conditions without major disruptions to their daily lives.