IJCM_385A: Establishment of a CKD Screening and treatment program at a secondary care hospital in rural Karnataka - A case study

• Published in: Indian journal of community medicine 2024-04, Vol.49 (Suppl 1), p.S110-S111
• Main Author: Kirthinath, Ballala A B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Camps; chronic kidney disease; Diabetes; health system strengthening; Hemodialysis; Kidney diseases; rural; Rural areas
• ISSN: 0970-0218; 1998-3581
• DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_abstract385

Background:With the rapidly increasing incidence of kidney disease due to the rise in non- communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension in India, a felt need for easily accessible Dialysis unit was found during the community assessment. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) education and screening program was also proposed to be established along with this to improve awareness and early detection. This would help in health system strengthening and prevent patients from travelling to far away locations for the dialysis sessions.Objective:1. To conduct CKD education and screening camps in rural areas of Karkala talukMethodology:The project was implemented for a duration of 12 months starting from July 2021. Camps were held along with help from local clubs & Rotary Club. The following blood tests were carried out: Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Random Blood Sugar (RBS) or Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Serum Creatinine and Lipid Profile. These tests were done free of cost for all camp attendees. If the parameters were found to be abnormal, they were referred to Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala for confirmation of the diagnosis and further management. Along with screening, Health education sessions were also be carried out to create awareness regarding diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease among the rural population. The Dialysis unit was set up with 3 dialysis machines with funding from Rotary International under the Global Grant scheme. Dialysis was provided at subsidized to Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients.Results:A total of 10 CKD screening & awareness camps were held during the project period. A total of 588 patients were screened. 132 were referred for further management. 8 patients were referred for Dialysis. Average of 170 dialysis sessions are carried out per months. 805 participants attended the training sessions.Conclusion:Similar set ups in rural areas will help in early detection of CKD and make dialysis more affordable and accessible.