Odisha is set to become the first state in the country to launch a comprehensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) registry, with plans to roll it out by March 31. The initiative aims to generate reliable data on the prevalence of CKD and, in turn, help the government design targeted action plans and public health programmes to address the growing burden of kidney disease.
Bridging the Data Gap on Kidney Disease
Highlighting the need for a robust data system, Susanta Kumar Swain, Additional Director of Health Services (Non-Communicable Diseases), stated that no state currently has complete CKD registry coverage. Although the Nephrologists Association of India (NAI) had earlier launched a CKD registry, it is now inactive, and only limited data remains available on the portal. Consequently, the lack of comprehensive information has hindered effective policy planning and disease management.
High-Level Task Force and Technical Committee Formed
To ensure systematic implementation, the state government constituted a 12-member task force under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. In addition, authorities formed a 17-member technical sub-committee, also referred to as the state working group.
As reported by TOI, this committee includes experts and representatives from AIIMS, ICMR, state health institutes, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, geologists, and other key stakeholders. Together, they are overseeing the technical and operational aspects of the CKD registry.
Statewide Reporting from PHCs to Medical Colleges
Meanwhile, the technical committee is actively reviewing and analysing the framework for the registry. Under the proposed system, every healthcare institution—from primary health centres (PHCs) to medical colleges—will report CKD cases to the central registry. Moreover, the state has earmarked dedicated funds to expedite implementation. To support digital integration, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) is developing the software platform for the registry.
Early Detection Remains the Primary Focus
Currently, the health system captures data mainly on dialysis patients, who represent only about 10% of the total CKD burden. In contrast, nearly 90% of patients remain in the early stages of the disease. Of the total CKD cases, approximately 60% are linked to diabetes and hypertension, while the remaining 40% fall under chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDU).
Therefore, the CKD registry programme aims to identify these undiagnosed and early-stage patients and ensure timely treatment, ultimately reducing disease progression and complications.
Foundation for Research and Policy Planning
According to official sources, the registry will also serve as a critical baseline for future research studies and epidemiological analysis on CKD. Over the past three years, Odisha reported 19,888 CKD cases and 4,718 CKD-related deaths. Currently, CKD prevalence in the state stands at around 14% among individuals aged above 15 years.
By establishing a structured and comprehensive registry, Odisha hopes to strengthen early detection, improve patient outcomes, and guide long-term kidney health policies across the state.