The upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology (USTM), Meghalaya observed World Kidney Day.
The day is marked on March 14 every year to create awareness focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.
Padma Shri Surgeon Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah, who is also the Vice Chancellor of USTM, addressed the students and faculty members at the NKC Auditorium. He said, “Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is currently not curable, it can cause people to need care for the rest of their lives. CKD triggers other health issues like cardiovascular diseases leading to premature death or disability”.
Dr Saharia warned that if not detected early enough, it may progress to kidney failure and then require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. He said that 10 per cent of the adult population suffer from CKD and every year, millions die due to this.
He also mentioned the eight golden rules to prevent kidney disease, that is, to keep fit and active, regular control of blood sugar level, monitor blood pressure regularly, eat healthy and keep weight in check, stay hydrated, no smoking, no over-the-counter pills, and to get the kidney function tested if one has some high-risk factor.
“Water is the main source of energy for function of the kidneys. We need to mobilise our friends, colleagues and relatives to drink water for the wellbeing of the kidneys”, he added.
Pediatric nephrologist, Prof Dipti Devi said that the global burden of CKD will result in the fifth most common cause of mortality by 2040. “Since the treatment is costly, the response to this global health epidemic should be prevention, early detection and intervention,” she added.
She pointed out that the common causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, obesity, age (over 50 years) etc.
“Early CKD has no symptoms and one can lose up to 90 per cent of the kidney function without any sign. Therefore, one should be careful since early detection is highly important,” she said.
