World Kidney Day: Experts emphasize early detection, healthy habits to prevent Kidney disease

Marking World Kidney Day, 100 plus healthcare professionals, patients and citizens participated in a Kidney Health Awareness Walk organised by Kolkata Kidney Institute on Thursday in Kolkata. The walk began from the institute’s premises on Kalikapur Road and proceeded towards Ruby General Hospital, highlighting the urgent need for early screening and preventive care for kidney diseases. The initiative was led by veteran nephrologist Dr. Pratik Das, who emphasised that kidney diseases are emerging as a major public health concern in India. Addressing the press and participants, Dr. Das said that the disease often progresses silently, with many patients remaining unaware until the condition reaches advanced stages.

According to recent health studies, the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India has increased significantly in recent years. The prevalence of CKD has risen from about 11% between 2011–2017 to nearly 16.4% during 2020 -2025 indicating a sharp rise in kidney-related disorders in the last five years. India currently has an estimated 138 million people living with chronic kidney disease, one of the highest numbers globally. Health experts attribute this alarming increase primarily to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, overuse of painkillers, poor water quality and lack of routine screening, especially among high-risk populations. Speaking at the event, Dr. Das stressed the importance of awareness and prevention. “Kidney disease is often called a silent killer because symptoms appear only when significant damage has already occurred. Simple tests and timely lifestyle changes can prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease,” he said. “It does not just effect an individual – it impacts entire family emotionally , socially and financially. Many patients reach us at the stage when prevention is no longer possible, and lifelong dialysis becomes the only option. This is the reason why awareness and early detection are not the medical priorities, but social responsibilities” added Dr Pratik Das while addressing the media persons today.

Early prevention remains the most effective strategy in reducing the burden of chronic kidney disease. Health experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control, and drinking adequate clean water. Regular health check-ups, especially for people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of kidney disease, can help detect kidney problems at an early stage. Avoiding excessive use of painkillers and self-medication also plays a crucial role in protecting long-term kidney health.

Through initiatives like the awareness walk, Kolkata Kidney Institute aims to promote early detection and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. The institute provides comprehensive nephrology and urology services including dialysis support, kidney transplant care, critical care nephrology and advanced diagnostics. A key focus of the institute is to make specialised kidney treatment accessible and affordable, particularly for patients from middle- and lower-income backgrounds who often struggle with the high costs of long-term dialysis and treatment. With modern medical infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, the institute strives to deliver patient-centric care while spreading awareness about prevention and early diagnosis. The World Kidney Day awareness walk also served as a platform to remind citizens about the importance of regular health check-ups, proper hydration, blood pressure and diabetes control, and avoiding indiscriminate use of medications, all of which play a crucial role in protecting kidney health.