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Facilities Exist, But No Donors: Chronic Kidney Disease Doubles in Jammu & Kashmir Over a Decade
The Azadi Times | Srinagar | Indian administered Kashmir: While healthcare facilities and even free transplant surgeries are available, Jammu & Kashmir faces a severe shortage of kidney donors — even as cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have doubled over the past decade.
According to health experts, CKD is rising rapidly in the region, mainly due to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. Nationwide, India sees between 100,000 and 150,000 deaths annually from kidney-related illnesses.
Doctors warn that CKD is increasingly affecting young people, damaging their kidneys at an early age. Under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, kidney transplants are free of cost in Kashmir. However, the lack of willing donors remains a major hurdle.
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In India, an estimated 4 million people are currently affected by CKD, with nearly 1 million requiring a transplant. In Jammu & Kashmir alone, over 175,000 people are believed to suffer from CKD, and around 9,000 patients need a kidney transplant. Despite the demand, only 650 transplants have been performed so far in the region.
Major Causes of CKD
The rise in kidney disease is closely linked to increasing rates of non-communicable diseases in the population. According to the World Health Organization, the leading causes include high blood sugar, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Doctors point out that increased food availability combined with reduced physical activity has led to rising diabetes rates, which, in turn, damage kidneys.
Consuming fried foods cooked in cheap oils and fats also raises blood lipid levels, contributing to hypertension and subsequent kidney failure.
Dialysis Patients
The exact number of dialysis patients in Kashmir remains unclear. However, a 2019 study identified 459 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Kashmir, and more recent surveys suggest the number has now surpassed 500.
The National Dialysis Program provides free or subsidized dialysis services at district hospitals under the National Health Mission. Dedicated dialysis units also operate at SMHS Hospital and SKIMS Soura.
Experts’ Opinions
Dr. Sajjad Nazir, head of the Nephrology Department at Government Medical College Srinagar, told Kashmir Uzma that kidney disease is growing alarmingly fast in Kashmir, particularly among the youth.
He stressed that transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end-stage renal disease, but finding donors remains the biggest challenge.
“Most kidney donors are women — mothers, sisters, daughters, and in many cases, wives,” Dr. Sajjad said.
He advocated for cadaver (deceased) transplants, noting that organs from accident victims or brain-dead patients could save lives.
“Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, kidney transplants are free, but our biggest problem is the lack of donors,” he concluded.
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