Patna: In an effort to spread awareness about kidney diseases and their causes, leading mutli-specialty healthcare provider, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, today organized a program called, ‘Overview of Kidney Disease and Role of Dialysis’ to educate kidney patients and caregivers on life-saving mechanisms and daily living.

The program is the Forth in a row under the banner of the ‘Bihar Kidney Foundation’, a dedicated initiative by Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health, as well as to reduce the agony and anxiety suffered by the kidney patients.

Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, had launched the Bihar Kidney Foundation while marking World Kidney Day in March. The initiative is the first of its kind support group to help patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, renal stones, dialysis and patients who need a kidney transplant. The group is set to organize such programs on the first Saturday of every month. Not only does it help with education, but it also helps to put patients in touch with each other to share their experiences and learnings.

“In recent years, we have witnessed a rise in chronic kidney disease. The prime factors behind the rise is the prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which further lead to kidney failure in such patients. Despite the rise in incidence, the awareness among the masses about kidney diseases is abysmally low. Also, many people suffering from it are often not aware about treatment. Additionally, there are a number of myths and misconceptions regarding dialysis. Hence, we believe that forming the Bihar Kidney Foundation under which we plan to organize monthly programs, will help,” says Dr Shashi Kumar Consultant,Nephrology, Paras HMRI Hospitals, Patna

The program this month focused on kinds and types of kidney diseases and discussed the importance of dialysis. The meeting intended to remove the misconceptions and inhibitions that prevent people from undergoing dialysis.

“Dialysis is often considered the end of life or complete dependence. Many people who are advised to go for dialysis are often shattered and disturbed as they have no idea about what dialysis is exactly. Through this program, we want to educate patients that dialysis is life-support treatment that uses a special machine to filter harmful wastes, salt, and excess fluid from the blood. In short, it replaces the important function of kidney, when the organ fails to do so,” adds Dr  Shashi Kumar Consultant,Nephrology, Paras HMRI Hospitals, Patna

Currently, the lack of awareness about kidney diseases has affected millions of people worldwide, including many children who may be at risk of kidney disease at an early age. The group works to bring out the inner fears and anxiety of kidney patients and caregivers by asking them to share their personal experiences with the problem.

“While it has become imperative to educate and encourage people to come forward for early detection, it is equally important to encourage a healthy lifestyle to halt the increase of preventable kidney damage, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases,” says Dr Dr Shashi Kumar Consultant,Nephrology, Paras HMRI Hospitals, Patna