Support Group Launched to Combat Chronic Kidney Disease

As part of its endeavor to reach out to more and more people suffering due to kidney related complications, and to help them address their concerns in the most appropriate and scientific way, Global Hospitals on the eve of World Kidney Day announced the launch of “Global Kidney Support Group”.

The support group initiative was launched by Shri C Laxma Reddy garu, Honourable Health Minister, Government of Telangana in the presence of Dr. K. S. Ratnakar, Chairman, Global Medical Education and Research Foundation, Global Hospitals.  

“Kidney diseases are increasingly becoming a serious health concern in our country. It is important for public to understand the causes and take preventive measures at the earliest. As a multi-super specialty tertiary care hospital chain, at Global Hospitals, we have been pioneering many initiatives. The Kidney Support Group is our latest initiative to help people come together to overcome their health challenges,” Dr. Gandhe Sridhar, Chief Consultant – Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician, Global Hospitals said at the launch.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Sridhar said, “Chronic kidney disease is progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months to years; which is irreversible. Unfortunately, the number of people suffering from chronic kidney disease is increasing rapidly. Roughly 800-1000 persons per million suffer from chronic kidney disease in India. Out of which 150-200 suffer from severe kidney failure who require lifelong dialysis or kidney transplantation.”

He added that if detected at an early stage, chronic kidney disease can be prevented and premature deaths resulting from kidney diseases can be avoided. “Unfortunately 90 per cent of the patients seek medical advice when the disease is severe. This is because many of the patients do not show any symptoms until approximately 70 per cent of the kidney has failed. Even the routine laboratory tests may not detect this until approximately 50 per cent kidney functions are already lost,” he said.

Speaking on the various initiatives that would be undertaken during the support group meet, Dr. J. Ramashankar, Consultant, Nephrologist, Global Hospitals said, “The support group meet would be organized one in every two months where anyone can register themselves for free. People need to understand that it’s possible to overcome their health related issues as there are many options available. What is important is the knowledge on what is the safest way.”

The Global Kidney Support Group program aims to follow internationally acknowledged best practices, to bring together the Hospitals’ specialists, patients currently suffering with kidney diseases and those who have earlier overcome the problem. The Support Group endeavors to help the patients understand, appreciate the various treatment solutions available in a motivating and encouraging environment.