New Delhi: Kidney transplantation offers a new lease on life to recipients, representing the pinnacle of care for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In India, the prevalence of kidney failure is alarming, with over 210,000 new cases diagnosed annually. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses, the kidneys become increasingly damaged, and they cannot effectively filter waste from the blood.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Neeraj Goyal, Associate Director and Chief of Kidney Transplant at Alchemist Group of Hospitals, Panchkula (Haryana), spoke about how organ donation and kidney transplant is gaining momentum amid rising cases of CKD.
The Growing Need for Organ Donation
For those with ESKD, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only viable treatment options. While dialysis serves as a lifeline, it significantly impacts the quality of life. In contrast, a kidney transplant can change lives, offering better outcomes and improved long-term survival. However, the demand for donor kidneys in India far exceeds the supply, with less than 5% of kidney failure patients receiving the transplants they need.
Delhi’s Remarkable Contribution to Kidney Donation
In the face of this daunting challenge, the national capital has set a commendable example in organ donation. In 2022, Delhi recorded an impressive 2,193 live kidney and 56 cadaver donations, underscoring the city’s leadership in this critical healthcare domain. These figures represent the growing awareness and willingness among its residents and reflect the city’s robust healthcare infrastructure that facilitates such life-saving procedures.
Delhi’s contribution is a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. The capital’s efforts in organ donation demonstrate how targeted awareness and a strong support system can make a substantial difference in bridging the gap between organ supply and demand. We need to create this level of awareness and motivation at the community level, ranging from small villages to bigger cities aimed at bridging the ever-widening demand-supply gap of organs.
The Benefits of Kidney Donation
The benefits of kidney donation extend beyond the immediate recipient. Kidney transplantation is not only cost-effective compared to long-term dialysis but also enhances recipients’ quality of life and productivity, reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system. Kidney donation’s impact reverberates throughout society, offering a profound testament to the power of generosity and compassion. One must promote organ donation awareness, dispel myths, and encourage individuals to consider becoming donors.
For those with ESKD, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only viable treatment options. While dialysis serves as a lifeline, it significantly impacts the quality of life. In contrast, a kidney transplant can change lives, offering better outcomes and improved long-term survival. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
