Support Group Launched to Combat

Chronic Kidney Disease

Hyderabad: As part of its endeavor to reach out to more and more people suffering due
to kidney related complications, and to help them address their concerns in the most
appropriate and scientific way, Global Hospitals on the eve of World Kidney Day
announced the launch of Global Kidney Support Group.
The support group initiative was launched by Shri C Laxma Reddy garu, Honourable
Health Minister, Government of Telangana in the presence of Dr. K. S. Ratnakar,
Chairman, Global Medical Education and Research Foundation, Global Hospitals.
Kidney diseases are increasingly becoming a serious health concern in our country. It is
important for public to understand the causes and take preventive measures at the
earliest. As a multi-super specialty tertiary care hospital chain, at Global Hospitals, we
have been pioneering many initiatives. The Kidney Support Group is our latest initiative
to help people come together to overcome their health challenges, Dr. Gandhe Sridhar,
Chief Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician, Global Hospitals said
at the launch.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Sridhar said, Chronic kidney disease is
progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months to years; which is
irreversible. Unfortunately, the number of people suffering from chronic kidney disease
is increasing rapidly. Roughly 800-1000 persons per million suffer from chronic kidney
disease in India. Out of which 150-200 suffer from severe kidney failure who require
lifelong dialysis or kidney transplantation.
He added that if detected at an early stage, chronic kidney disease can be prevented
and premature deaths resulting from kidney diseases can be avoided. Unfortunately 90
per cent of the patients seek medical advice when the disease is severe. This is because
many of the patients do not show any symptoms until approximately 70 per cent of the
kidney has failed. Even the routine laboratory tests may not detect this until
approximately 50 per cent kidney functions are already lost, he said.

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Speaking on the various initiatives that would be undertaken during the support group
meet, Dr. J. Ramashankar, Consultant, Nephrologist, Global Hospitals said, The support
group meet would be organized one in every two months where anyone can register
themselves for free. People need to understand that its possible to overcome their
health related issues as there are many options available. What is important is the
knowledge on what is the safest way.
The Global Kidney Support Group program aims to follow internationally acknowledged
best practices, to bring together the Hospitals specialists, patients currently suffering
with kidney diseases and those who have earlier overcome the problem. The Support
Group endeavors to help the patients understand, appreciate the various treatment
solutions available in a motivating and encouraging environment.

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