Diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, genetic disorders, self-medication, and the unnecessary use of medicines are driving a rapid increase in kidney diseases in Pakistan, where nearly 12 percent of the population - around 30 million people - is suffering from kidney ailments, resulting in more than 30,000 deaths annually, nephrologists have warned.

Speaking at a seminar held at a local hotel on Sunday, experts stated that the actual burden could be considerably higher, as kidney disease often progresses silently, with a large number of people remaining unaware of their condition until significant damage has already occurred. Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) Vice President Prof. Dr. Ali Saqlain Haider stated that around 30 million people in Pakistan were estimated to be living with some form of kidney disease, while more than 30,000 deaths were attributed to kidney-related illnesses every year. He noted that diabetes and hypertension were among the leading causes of kidney disease in the country, alongside intrinsic kidney diseases, kidney stones, and certain genetic disorders that can lead to progressive renal damage and ultimately failure.

Prof. Haider expressed particular concern over widespread self-medication, noting that people frequently take medicines for common illnesses and pain without consulting a physician, while the unnecessary and prolonged use of certain drugs can severely damage the kidneys. He emphasized that greater focus must be placed on prevention and early detection rather than waiting for the condition to reach an advanced stage, as timely diagnosis and treatment can slow its progression and prevent patients from requiring dialysis.

'Controlling diabetes and high blood pressure, along with timely screening, is extremely important for preventing and detecting kidney disease at an early stage,' he said. He added that basic investigations, including a complete urine examination and blood tests for urea and creatinine, can help detect dysfunction early, supplemented by an ultrasound when advised by a doctor. Experts advised that individuals with diabetes, hypertension, a family history of kidney disease, and other risk factors should undergo regular screening, as significant damage can occur without producing noticeable symptoms in the early stages. They warned that advanced kidney disease often requires lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant - treatments that are both expensive and complex, with limited accessibility across many parts of the country.

پاکستان سوسائٹی آف نیفروولوجی (PSN) کے صدر پروفیسر ڈاکٹر عامر اظہر نے گردوں کی بیماری کو ایک بڑھتا ہوا خاموش بحران قرار دیتے ہوئے کہا کہ تاخیر سے تشخیص کا نتیجہ یہ نکلتا ہے کہ مریض اسپتالوں میں اس وقت پہنچتے ہیں جب ان کی حالت انتہائی نازک ہو چکی ہوتی ہے۔ انہوں نے زور دیا کہ حکومت اور طبی اداروں کو مل کر عوامی آگاہی مہم چلانی چاہیے تاکہ اس بڑھتے ہوئے صحت کے چیلنج پر قابو پایا جا سکے۔