Nearly 30 million Pakistanis suffering from kidney disease, nephrologists Warn

Nearly 30 million people in Pakistan are suffering from kidney disease, with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, genetic disorders and the unnecessary use of medicines among the major causes, nephrologists have warned.

Speaking at a seminar in a local hotel on Sunday, Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) Vice President Prof Dr Ali Saqlain Haider said kidney-related diseases were responsible for more than 30,000 deaths in Pakistan every year.

He said diabetes and hypertension were the leading causes of kidney damage, while kidney stones, intrinsic kidney diseases and certain genetic disorders could also progress to kidney failure.

Prof Haider also expressed concern over the widespread practice of self-medication, warning that the unnecessary or prolonged use of certain medicines, particularly without medical supervision, could damage the kidneys.

He stressed the importance of early detection and regular screening, particularly for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.