Breaking News:TRIHMS free health camp marks WKD celebration– What Just Happened

• MRRS facilitated 200 kidney transplantations

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 15: Healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and community members celebrated World Kidney Day (WKD)at the initiative of TRIHMS nephrology department here to promote awareness about kidney diseases.

A free health screening was organised to assess kidney health among community members.

Highlighting rising incidence of chronic kidney diseases, TRIHMS Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Dukhum Raina advocated regular health check-ups and preventive care. He appreciated dedication of healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, and dialysis technicians—who work tirelessly to support patients with kidney diseases.

TRIHMS nephrologistDr Oyik Tamut spoke on role of healthy kidneys (filter waste products, regulate fluids, maintain electrolyte electrolytes balance, regulate blood pressure and blood production and healthy bones), growing burden of people with kidney problems and importance of early detection as ‘kidney disease’ is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms may not appear until the condition becomes severe.

He also lauded CMAAY for offering temporary dialysis and permanent catheters free to beneficiaries.  The dialysis Unit is now giving expensive procedures, like Plasmapharesis free and catering to even patients with neurological, hematological and other non-kidney problems.

Delhi’s SRGRHconsultant nephrologistDr Rajdeb Saha explained importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease. Lifestyle measures, like maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing blood pressure and diabetes and undergoing regular health checkups could significantly reduce risk of kidney damage.

To commemorate this day, TRIHMS dialysis unit felicitated its two patients as a gesture of recognition and encouragement to acknowledge their courage and spirit. He also lauded their strength and highlighted their journey as an example of hope.

Mr X, one of the longest-on-dialysis survivors in India, shared his 16 years of challenging experience to boost up morale and spirit of fellow patients and their dependants.

Dialysis unit medical officer Dr T Lollen called for collective efforts, commitment of patients, caregivers and healthcare workers as crucial in improving quality of life of those dependent on dialysis.

The celebration concluded with an interactive session between the experts, patients and other followed by distribution of goodies to the patients, according to an official release.

AONS adds: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing epidemic in India, with prevalence rates estimated between 4%–20%, causing over 175,000 deaths annually. Driven by high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and rising, often late-stage diagnoses, the burden of CKD is high, with only 3%–5% of patients having access to renal replacement therapies.

A study in Assam found that nearly 46% of high prevalence of unknown etiology (CKD-U) cases were of undetermined cause, predominantly affecting rural labourers. Diabetic nephropathy is leading known cause, followed by idiopathic (unknown) cases, chronic glomerulonephritis, and hypertension. A high (92.3%) percentage cases are concentrated in rural areas, often impacting young individuals under 40. Over 30% of patients reported taking traditional or herbal medicines, which may contribute to kidney issues. Limited access to specialized care and dialysis in mountainous and rural regions are responsible.

Some studies suggest water pollution might contribute to kidney damage, although consistent evidence is hard to establish.

Kidney disease, particularly CKD, is a rising health concern in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to an increased demand for specialized renal care. There is a rising incidence prompting health authorities to emphasize early detection and preventive measures like regular health checkups.

CMRRS: The GoPA offers significant financial aid through Chief Minister’s Renal Replacement Fund (CMRRS), offering up to ₹10 lakh per patient for kidney transplants. As of July 2025, over 200 patients have received a “fresh lease of life” through kidney transplants supported by state-run schemes over the past seven years in TRIHMS. Around 200 patients undergo daily dialysis across 11 hospitals in the state. The state has partnered with institutions, like Imphal’s Shija Hospitals for advanced kidney transplants under the CMRRS scheme.

The WKD was first observed on 09.03.06, as a joint initiative of International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), now known as International Kidney Foundation – World kidney alliance (IKF-WKA), to raise global awareness about increasing burden of kidney diseases and to promote preventive behaviors and equitable access to care.

Since its inception, WKD has grown into a powerful global movement, celebrated annually and evolved from a modest awareness initiative into a globally recognized health campaign, uniting healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups in the efforts against kidney disease.