Overview: A Quiet Epidemic in India
A recent global study published in The Lancet highlights a troubling health statistic for India: in 2023, the country accounted for the second-highest number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases worldwide, totaling approximately 138 million. Only China reported more CKD cases, with about 152 million. These figures place CKD among the leading chronic health challenges impacting millions of Indians and shaping public health priorities for years to come.
The Significance of CKD in Public Health
Chronic kidney disease is not just a medical condition confined to the kidneys. It reflects broader health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and access to timely medical care. When left unmanaged, CKD can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation, and it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The Lancet study’s finding—that CKD affects a vast portion of India’s population—underscores the urgency of early detection, comprehensive management, and preventive strategies.
How India Reached This Milestone
Several interlinked factors contribute to the CKD burden in India. High prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, often in urban and semi-urban populations, drives kidney damage over time. Limited access to routine screening in remote areas, delayed diagnosis, and variability in treatment quality across regions further exacerbate the problem. Environmental stressors, including exposure to nephrotoxic substances and dehydration in hot climates, can also play a role in kidney health. The Lancet study’s global scope provides a stark context: India’s CKD numbers are a public health wake-up call, signaling the need for scalable, affordable interventions.
Implications for Health Systems and Policy
With CKD being a leading cause of death, health systems must prioritize early detection programs, affordable treatment options, and patient education. Cost barriers often limit access to regular kidney function testing, medications that control blood pressure and glucose, and renal replacement therapies for advanced disease. Strengthening primary care, expanding screening in at-risk populations, and integrating CKD management into existing diabetes and hypertension programs could slow disease progression and reduce hospitalizations.
What Needs to Change: Practical Steps
- Expand community-based screening for kidney function, especially in high-risk groups.
- Improve access to affordable antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications to control risk factors.
- Increase availability of nephrology services in underserved regions, including dialysis care and transplantation support where feasible.
- Invest in public awareness campaigns that educate about CKD risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early testing.
- Encourage research into locally relevant CKD causes and cost-effective treatment models tailored to India’s diverse population.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
The Lancet study’s findings are not just a statistic; they reflect real-world suffering, lost productivity, and a heavy burden on families and healthcare systems. Addressing CKD in India will require a coordinated approach across government, clinicians, researchers, and communities. By prioritizing prevention, expanding access to care, and reducing the financial strain of treatment, India can alter the trajectory of CKD and improve outcomes for millions of citizens.
Conclusion
India’s prominence on the global CKD map in 2023 highlights a public health challenge of historic proportions. As the country navigates rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, CKD prevention and early intervention must become central to health policy. The Lancet’s data offer a clear mandate: scale up screening, ensure affordable treatment, and empower people with knowledge to protect kidney health for a brighter, healthier future.
