World Kidney Day at GMCH highlights rising CKD concerns in Assam

GUWAHATI: World Kidney Day was observed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), while Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) emerges as a silent killer, with its impact intensifying annually. Physicians at GMCH indicate elevated instances of CKD of unknown aetiology in specific geographical regions of Assam warrant thorough investigation.
In India, the prevalence of CKD escalated markedly, from 11.12% in 2011 to 16.38% in 2023, and in Assam, it is estimated to be around 12-15%. "Escalating prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other lifestyle-related ailments increased the incidences and prevalence of kidney diseases. Additionally, increasing use of alternative or herbal medicine in our rural areas and reliance on quacks resulted in delayed diagnosis and deterioration of kidney diseases," said Dr Manjuri Sharma, head of the nephrology department at GMCH.
"Furthermore, increased prevalence of kidney stones and certain glomerular diseases like SLE and IgA nephropathy are observed in our population. Notably, we witnessed increased incidence of CKD of unknown aetiology in certain geographical regions of Assam, which necessitates further investigation," she added.
On World Kidney Day, the department of nephrology at GMCH organised a walkathon on Thursday morning to enhance awareness about kidney health. Renowned Assamese actress Jerifa Wahed joined this meaningful march. Following the walkathon, an awareness programme was conducted at the hospital premises, chaired by GMCH Principal Dr Achyut Ch. Baishya, alongside Dr Manjuri Sharma, Dr Pushkal Baksi (HoD, Urology), Dr PK Doley (Associate Professor, Nephrology), Dr Gayatri Pegu (Associate Professor, Nephrology), Dr Miranda Pegu (Assistant Professor, Nephrology), and other distinguished personalities.
Enhancing the event's impact, students from the Nephrology Department staged a compelling drama, highlighting the significance of early consultation with a physician rather than resorting to unscientific practices or quackery. GMCH, the largest hospital in the state, provides permacath insertion and percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter procedures and dialysis facilities without cost under the Ayushmann Bharat scheme.
Kidney transplants remain the gold standard for treating end-stage kidney disease. "GMCH proudly conducts both live-related and deceased donor (cadaveric) kidney transplants. A historic milestone was achieved on December 13, 2023, with GMCH's first-ever deceased donor kidney transplant — a significant stride towards expanding the organ donor pool," said Dr. Sharma. Maintaining this momentum, she said that the latest cadaveric kidney transplant was successfully performed on March 1, with kidneys received from a private hospital in Guwahati — a testament that collaboration saves lives.