On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Mankind Pharma, in collaboration with leading healthcare experts, has called for greater awareness about kidney health, highlighting that chronic kidney disease affects nearly 10% of the global population and is often diagnosed only at advanced stages due to the absence of early symptoms.

Medical experts emphasise that kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluid balance, controlling blood pressure and supporting key metabolic processes in the body. However, one of the biggest challenges with kidney disease is its silent progression. Specialists warn that a person can lose up to 90% of kidney function without experiencing noticeable symptoms, making early screening and preventive care critical.

As part of its World Kidney Day initiative, Mankind Pharma is promoting awareness about kidney health through educational outreach programmes and expert-led discussions. The campaign encourages individuals to proactively monitor important health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and kidney function through routine diagnostic tests.

India is currently witnessing a growing kidney health crisis. According to global health studies, nearly 138 million people in the country are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), giving India the second-highest burden of the condition worldwide. Research also indicates that about 13–17% of adults in India may be living with some stage of kidney disease, many of whom remain undiagnosed until the disease has significantly progressed.

The treatment gap remains a major concern. Experts estimate that India requires nearly 200,000 kidney transplants annually, but only around 13,500 transplants are performed each year, meeting less than 6% of the actual demand. The shortage of organ donors continues to pose a significant challenge, with the country’s organ donation rate remaining below one donor per million population—far lower than rates seen in many developed nations.

In India, the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension is a key factor driving the growing burden of chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle-related factors such as high-salt diets, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles further elevate the risk. With India often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world, experts stress that individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should remain particularly vigilant about regular health check-ups.

Anant Kumar, Chairman – Urology, Renal Transplant and Robotics at Max Saket Complex and Uro-Oncology at MSSH Saket, said chronic kidney disease frequently progresses silently and remains undetected until advanced stages.

“Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should undergo regular screening through simple tests such as blood creatinine, urine analysis and blood pressure monitoring. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes,” he said.

Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer of Mankind Pharma, said World Kidney Day serves as an important reminder that prevention and early detection are key to tackling the rising burden of kidney disease.

“By encouraging regular health screenings, promoting healthier lifestyle choices and raising awareness about kidney health, we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps toward protecting their long-term health,” he said.

As part of the awareness campaign, the company is also highlighting simple preventive measures for maintaining kidney health. These include staying physically active, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, regularly monitoring blood pressure, following a balanced diet with controlled salt intake, staying well hydrated, avoiding unnecessary use of painkillers and undergoing routine kidney function tests, particularly for those at higher risk.

Health experts stress that timely screening, healthier lifestyle choices and increased public awareness can play a crucial role in preventing kidney disease and slowing its progression. With the burden of chronic kidney disease continuing to rise globally and in India, World Kidney Day provides an important opportunity to encourage people to prioritise kidney health and adopt preventive healthcare practices.