Odisha Launches Comprehensive Initiative to Study and Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease

Bhubaneswar: After the successful rollout of free dialysis services across the state, the Odisha Government has initiated an in-depth situational analysis to manage, control, and prevent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A high-level brainstorming session chaired by Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S. was held today at the Combined Health Directorate, bringing together experts, senior specialists, and researchers from leading institutions.

The meeting analyzed findings from global, national, and state-level research studies, highlighting a worrying rise in CKD cases across India — a trend reflected in several regions of Odisha as well. At present, over 18,800 patients are receiving free dialysis services at around 70 government-run centers, while many others benefit from cashless treatment under ABPMJAY-GJAY at private hospitals.

Experts discussed multiple causes of CKD, including diabetes, hypertension, lifestyle factors, genetics, and other unexplained origins. It was decided that detailed, district-level studies will be conducted to understand the patterns and causes of CKD in Odisha. The Health Secretary directed that researchers from medical colleges, OUAT, RMRC, ICMR, and SIHFW be involved in these studies.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to create a statewide CKD registry, integrating available data from multiple sources. This registry will serve as a baseline for further analysis and will be linked to a web-based portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for real-time data management.

The committee will also develop public awareness materials focusing on prevention and early detection of kidney diseases. Strategies for community-level screening, diagnosis, and uniform investigation protocols for reported CKD clusters will be framed to ensure timely intervention.

Among those present were Mission Director NHM Dr. Brundha D., Special Secretary (Health Services) Dr. Bijaya Mohapatra, Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Medical Education and Training Dr. Santosh Mishra, and Director of Health Services Dr. Pradeep Guru. Professors and experts from OUAT, RMRC, MKCG, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Hyderabad), and scientists from departments of Forest, Environment, Agriculture, and Drinking Water also participated in the deliberations.