The health department of Salem initiated a state-wide program called “Siruneeragam Kakkum Seermigu Maruthuva Thittam,” aimed at conducting a series of tests to facilitate the early detection and treatment of kidney diseases. The program was launched by Health Minister Ma Subramanian at a primary health center in Kadayampatty, within the city.
Testing kits worth Rs. 2 crore were procured for the program and distributed to hospitals and primary health centers throughout the state. Health sub-centers will employ urine dipsticks to diagnose proteinuria, an indication of kidney damage. Individuals displaying symptoms of the disease will be referred to larger hospitals for further examinations and treatment.
Minister Subramanian highlighted the importance of diagnosing and treating chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) early, as they can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), an irreversible condition characterized by the progressive decline of kidney function. In ESRD, the kidneys can no longer perform their functions independently, requiring patients to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation, as well as other medical and non-medical interventions.
The primary objective of the program is to prevent end-stage renal disease by screening high-risk individuals, including those with diabetes, hypertension, and a family history of renal disease. The use of dipsticks allows for simple testing procedures that can be conducted by healthcare workers in hospitals.
Later, Minister Subramanian attended a convocation ceremony at the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, where he presented degree certificates to 95 graduating students. During his address, he mentioned that construction is underway for a nursing college on the medical college premises, at a cost of Rs.35 crore.
He stated that the college building would be inaugurated soon and revealed that steps have been taken by the health department to increase the number of students in the medical college from 100 to 150 in the upcoming academic year. Minister Subramanian expressed confidence in the college’s infrastructure and teaching staff capacity to accommodate the expanded student intake.
Additionally, the minister inaugurated new buildings in the Kadayampatty and Omalur blocks, amounting to a total cost of Rs.1.6 crore.