On March 14, 2024, the Department of Urology and Nephrology organised a programme on the occasion of “World Kidney Day” in the OPD waiting area of the Department of Urology, AIIMS Rishikesh. The event, in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation, aimed to raise awareness about “Kidney Health for All.”

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Ankur Mittal, HOD, Department of Urology at AIIMS Rishikesh, emphasising the significance of the event in promoting overall kidney health.

Following that, Dr Sharon Kandari, HOD, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS Rishikesh, initiated the programme and discussed various kidney-related ailments, including their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures. She explained the significance of lifestyle changes and medications in managing kidney diseases.

Dr Rohit, Senior Resident, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS Rishikesh, explained to the patients through a presentation how they could maintain the health of their kidneys and emphasised the importance of consulting a doctor promptly if they develop any kidney-related illness, rather than waiting for the condition to worsen.

Dr Nalin Mohan, Senior Resident, Department of Urology, AIIMS Rishikesh, provided information about kidney stones, including their symptoms, diagnosis, precautions, and the availability of OPD and emergency facilities for patients at AIIMS Hospital.

Nursing officers from both departments actively participated in the programme and delivered a brief awareness talk to all OPD and IPD patients, their attendants, hospital staff, and participants. They provided information on how individuals can enhance their kidney health by adopting regular dietary patterns and ensuring they consume 2-3 litres of water daily in their routine lives.

One of the patient's attendants shared their positive experience with the participants, expressing gratitude for meeting Dr Ankur Mittal and receiving excellent treatment for kidney stones at AIIMS Rishikesh.

Additionally, two information desks were set up in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation at the hospital, where Senior Nursing Officers (SNO’s) of AIIMS Rishikesh and Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader, MF, provided information to the general public about healthy diets and healthy practices to promote kidney health.

Community Radio Rishikesh 90.0 FM actively participated in the event, capturing radio bytes from Dr Mittal and Dr Kandari. These recordings aimed to disseminate positive awareness about “Kidney Health for All” to a wider audience.

Dr Sharon conveyed to listeners through the radio that approximately 8.5 million people are suffering from kidney diseases, making it the 8th leading cause of death. However, due to a lack of awareness, many individuals fail to seek timely medical treatment. She highlighted common symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and the presence of suppuration (whitish-yellow fluid) or blood in urine, emphasising the importance of getting their kidneys checked regularly.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Ankur Mittal, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the organising committee, nursing staff, MOHAN Foundation, volunteers, and attendees.

Close to 100 participants attended the programme and gained information about healthy practices to promote kidney health.