Kidneys – the two bean-shaped organs nestled in our lower back – perform the silent but vital task of filtering blood, removing waste, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. Despite their crucial role, kidney health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of public health in India. A lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to specialist care have made Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) a silent epidemic.
At NHS Hospital, Jalandhar, we are committed to changing this narrative. With a state-of-the-art Nephrology setup, cutting edge technology, and latest dialysis machines, our team of experts, led by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, a Senior Nephrologist with over 7 years of experience, is striving to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible kidney care to the region.
What Are the Kidneys and Why Are They Important?
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for:
- Filtering out toxins and waste from the blood
- Regulating water, sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels
- Balancing pH and electrolytes
- Producing hormones that control blood pressure (renin) and red blood cell production (erythropoietin)
- Activating Vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
With such a wide range of functions, it’s no surprise that when kidneys begin to fail, the entire body suffers.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
CKD refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over months or years. It is most commonly caused by diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but other causes include:
- Genetic kidney disorders
- Glomerular diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones or obstruction
- Long-term use of painkillers or unknown medications
- Autoimmune diseases
- Kidney cancers
Unfortunately, the early stages of CKD often go unnoticed due to lack of symptoms. By the time signs such as swelling, breathlessness, fatigue, foamy urine, or changes in urination appear, significant damage has already occurred. This is what makes CKD so dangerous—it progresses silently but can have irreversible consequences.
CKD is categorized into five stages. Stage 5, known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), is where the kidneys fail completely and patients require lifelong dialysis or kidney transplantation.
A Growing Health Crisis in India
Various studies have shown that 17% of the Indian population may be living with CKD, and most are unaware. India, with only 2.4% of the world’s landmass but 17% of its population, faces a huge healthcare burden.
Adding to the challenge is the limited availability of nephrologists—India has roughly 2,500 qualified nephrologists for a population of over 1.4 billion, and most are concentrated in urban centres. In rural and semi-urban areas, access to specialised kidney care is poor, leading to late presentations and worse outcomes.
There is also a high prevalence of CKDu (Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology) in certain regions like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Punjab and Tamil Nadu, further complicating the situation.
Why CKD Deserves National Attention
CKD doesn’t just affect the kidneys. It raises the risk of:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Anaemia and malnutrition
- Weakened bones and fractures
- Frequent infections
- Decreased quality of life and early mortality
Patients with ESRD need Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) such as dialysis or a transplant. In India, however, the high cost of treatment acts as a barrier. Studies show that many patients die without ever starting dialysis, and among those who do, over 60% stop due to financial burden.
This is where institutions like NHS Hospital step in—our vision is to provide affordable and advanced care to CKD patients, no matter their background.
NHS Hospital’s Pioneering Role in Kidney Care
NHS Hospital, Jalandhar, is proud to house one of the biggest nephrology setups in the region, offering:
- 24/7 dialysis services with the latest and most advanced machines
- In-centre and ICU dialysis
- CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) for critically ill patients
- State-of-the-art lab support for accurate diagnosis
- Kidney biopsy and interventional procedures
- Specialized hypertension and diabetic kidney clinics
Our facility is built on cutting edge technology, with international-standard dialysis units equipped with water purification systems, infection control protocols, and high-quality consumables. With the guidance of Dr. Sanjay Kumar, known as a trusted doctor in nephrology, we ensure that every patient receives personalised, evidence-based treatment.
Who Is at Risk of CKD?
High-risk groups for kidney disease include:
- People with diabetes or high blood pressure
- Individuals with a family history of kidney disease
- Those with recurrent urinary tract infections
- People who are obese or smokers
- Individuals regularly taking painkillers or herbal/unknown medications
- People over the age of 60
For these individuals, regular kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR, urine protein) are essential for early detection.
Can CKD Be Prevented or Delayed?
Yes, with timely intervention, the progression of CKD can be slowed or even halted. Here’s how:
- Strict blood sugar and BP control
- Healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Avoidance of over-the-counter painkillers and unverified medications
- Regular screening for kidney function if you are in a high-risk group
- Annual urine and blood tests
- Consulting a nephrologist early if abnormalities are detected
The Bigger Picture – What Needs to Change
While hospitals like NHS are doing their part, the battle against CKD cannot be fought in isolation. Here's what needs to happen:
- National-level CKD screening and prevention programmes
- Dedicated government funding for dialysis support and transplant assistance
- Training more nephrologists and dialysis technicians
- Public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of kidney health
- Encouraging brain-dead organ donation to improve transplant numbers
- Private-public partnerships to bring nephrology care to underserved regions
Most importantly, we need to stop ignoring the early symptoms of kidney damage. Fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination might seem small, but they can be the first warning signs of a major health crisis.
Final Words from a Trusted Doctor
As someone who has treated hundreds of patients with kidney ailments, I cannot stress enough the importance of awareness, prevention, and early treatment. CKD is a silent killer, but it can be tackled effectively with the right steps.
At NHS Hospital, our comprehensive nephrology team, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay (Senior Nephrologist with 7+ years of expertise), is here to support you. Our trusted dialysis infrastructure, big setup, and cutting edge machines make us a leading centre for kidney care in Punjab.
Take Home Message
Let us recognize CKD as a national public health issue. Let us invest today in screening and prevention, so we can save lives tomorrow. Because when it comes to kidneys, early action can make all the difference.