The large disparity stills existing in our nation with our healthcare sector lauded globally along with a severe shortage in the number of healthcare professionals in rural areas, a fact that was brought to light during the emergency of the pandemic. Lifestyle changes and migration has led to a hike in non-communicable disease with 50% of spending on in-patients which has increased the demand for specialized care.

As per a WHO report, 1 out of every 4 Indians is at the risk of dying from non-communicable disease before reaching the age of 70. Chronic Kidney Disease is the sixth fastest-growing cause of death globally with expensive treatment options such as dialysis, and renal replacement being the major setback. The deaths reported due to kidney failure were greater in lower and middle socioeconomic groups in India.

According to a study, more than 60% of the patients had to travel more than 50 km to receive dialysis. The government has eased the situation by introducing the “National Dialysis Program” and setting up dialysis facilities in 688 districts to support the low socioeconomic groups. While fighting Covid 19, our healthcare sector is also building back by providing accessibility, and availability to all and actively working to meet the UN’s sustainable development goal to reduce premature mortality for non-communicable diseases.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/public-health-challenge-of-chronic-kidney-disease/90789819)