The world observed World Kidney Day in March as Pakistan reported more than 22 million people with a diagnosis of renal problems. In a study that published these figures, it was also stated that each year the cases are increasing manifold. The issue is not being taken as seriously as it should be. According to the report, out of the 22 million who develop renal problems, 22,000 develop End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) every year. Most often, the disease is diagnosed when it is at its last stage and then people are put on dialysis which is an extremely painful process. There are many reasons why people in Pakistan develop ESRD. One of the forerunners is diabetes. In 2019 there were 19.4 million diabetic patients in the country and the number is only set to rise unless some major changes are brought about in the lifestyle of people. An increase in diabetic patients will result in an increased risk of people facing ESRD and kidney failure. Another major reason which leads to people developing kidney diseases is self-medication and the overuse of painkillers. Unlike in countries like the UK, Pakistanis can easily buy painkillers for their ailments. It is common practice for people to use painkillers for headaches, stomachaches, period cramps, and backache, among other things. For this temporary relief, people do not realize what they are doing to their kidneys. The overuse and misuse of drugs are slowly poisoning people without them even realizing it. This is why the government should not allow the sale of painkillers without a prescription and there should be awareness drives so that people are kept safe from future ailments.
It must also be realized that with an increasing rate of kidney diseases, there will be a rise in the amount of illegal renal transplants. Already half of the renal transplants carried out in Pakistan are done illegally. The problem is most concentrated in Punjab and there were reports of Punjabi doctors carrying out this procedure in Kashmir as well. The illegal procedure is, without a doubt, extremely dangerous and therefore, must not be done. Due to the unavailability of organs, there have also been reports of trade and harvest of the organ. In order to solve this issue, people should be encouraged to donate their organs after they die as this could save the lives of those suffering every day. It will ease the pain of the living person and it would also reduce the illegal trade of kidneys. The government must take notice of this problem and invest resources in creating awareness and good, functioning facilities that will aid people in getting the procedure done legally. Moreover, the procedure must be covered in the Sehat Card as many people go to the illegal side due to a lack of funds. With the alarming rate at which people are being diagnosed with this disease, it is imperative for the government and medical institutions to spread awareness and create facilities in order to tackle the problem of kidney diseases.
