A major survey by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows Telangana has a chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence of 7.4% among adults more than double the national average of 3.2%.
Glimpse:
With 1 in 14 adults in Telangana showing signs of CKD, doctors are raising the alarm on early-onset hypertension, misuse of painkillers, unregulated supplements, and poor water quality as key drivers. Without urgent preventive screening, the burden could double within a decade.
A large‐scale ICMR survey covering over 25,000 adults across 31 states found that Telangana recorded a CKD prevalence rate of 7.4%. This rate is significantly higher than India’s national average of 3.2% and rivals the highest state recorded (Goa at 7.4%).
Nephrologists in Hyderabad report seeing younger patients even in their 30s presenting with kidney damage normally seen later in life. They link this to uncontrolled diabetes/hypertension, frequent pain‐killer usage (NSAIDs), indiscriminate supplement use (especially in gyms), and poor quality drinking water in some rural areas.
Hospitals in state capitals are already experiencing higher patient inflow for dialysis and kidney care. Experts urge the state government to roll out routine kidney-screening programmes for adults over 30, enforce stricter controls on OTC painkillers, launch public-awareness campaigns about early kidney damage, and regulate supplements heavily. Without these interventions, the disease burden and associated costs are likely to escalate steeply.
“CKD doesn’t announce itself until dialysis begins by then, the damage is irreversible.”
By
HB Team
