Nephrocare India, a publicly listed kidney care services provider, emphasized the importance of preventive and early renal care as kidney disease rates continue to rise in India. The company plans to expand its reach by establishing 300 new clinics across the country in the coming years.
Alarming Rise in Kidney Disease Cases
Dr. Pratim Sengupta, MD & CEO of Nephrocare India Ltd., highlighted the alarming figures that underscore the urgent need for preventive care. “India adds nearly 2.5 lakh new dialysis patients each year, and over seven crore people are affected by various stages of chronic kidney disease,” he stated. This surge is driven by the silent progression of kidney disease, compounded by the country’s growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.
Diabetes and Hypertension Fuel Kidney Disease Crisis
India is home to around 82 million diabetic patients, positioning the country on the brink of becoming the ‘Diabetic Capital of the World’. Dr. Sengupta pointed out that approximately 32% of diabetics will experience renal issues in their lifetime. He also noted that hypertension, another major contributor to kidney disease, is exacerbated by India’s excessive salt consumption, which is 2.5 times higher than the global average.
Unregulated Use of Painkillers Aggravates the Situation
Alongside diabetes and hypertension, the unregulated use of over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics has further intensified the kidney disease burden. Dr. Sengupta emphasized that these factors are collectively contributing to the rising number of renal cases in the country.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles to Combat Kidney Disease
Given the growing challenges, Dr. Sengupta stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to combat kidney disease. “To raise awareness, we organized a Walkathon titled ‘Walk for Health, Walk for Your Kidneys’, which emphasized the role of regular exercise and lifestyle changes in preventing kidney issues,” he said.
The Need for Specialized Renal Care
As kidney ailments continue to rise, the need for specialized renal care is becoming more pressing. Dr. Sengupta noted that India faces additional challenges due to changing lifestyles, limited awareness, and increasing misuse of painkillers. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, nephrocare’s expansion plans aim to address these growing concerns by offering accessible and specialized kidney care across the country.