Kidney Talk

‘The ratio of kidney diseases in Pakistan is higher as compared to other countries owing to ‘variable’ reasons and a deceased donor can save up to 17 lives by donating different organs with the consent of their families’, reflected Director of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) Prof Dr Adeeb Rizvi.

 

Professor Dr Adeeb told that the interior areas of Sindh and Punjab are ‘breeding grounds’ for diseases, owing to the poor hygine and healthy facilities, absence of maternity care and unavailability of safe drinking water. Here’s a brief interview with Dr Adeeb Rizvi on kidney issues and organ donations trend in Pakistan.

1) What are the underlying causes that contribute to renal failures and kidney ailments?

Dr. Adeeb: Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, malnutrition, unattended bacterial infections, self-medication and especially on- the-counter analgesic pills are ‘Kidney Killers’.

2) How can kidney diseases be prevented in the first place?

Dr. Adeeb: A healthy living guarantees prevention from almost all diseases especially this one. Balanced nutrition, clean drinking water, proper drainage system, adequate maternity care, routine check-ups combined with education and awareness structure a healthy society that safeguards people against kidney diseases.
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<3> Are kidney failures deathly?

Dr. Adeeb: In earlier days, kidney failure was considered to be a ‘ black death warrant’, but let me tell you, they are treatable. There are two ways to counter kidney failures. Transplant and `Dialysis. Both are expensive and are somehow meant only for those who can afford it. A normal person needs 10 dialysis to keep him alive and each dialysis cost around Rs.3500 to 5000, while a transplant costs around Rs. 700,000. How many people can afford this much?

4 What are the trends of organ donation in Pakistan? Do people respond to your call?

Dr. Adeeb: For a strange set of societal preconceptions, people are somehow reluctant in donating organs. Knowing a son may expire soon; the father shies away from donating his organ to save the son’s life. A lot needs to be done to change this patterned mindset. They need to understand, it is a Sadqa-e-Jariya which is encouraged in all religions, and has no legal restrictions as well.

5. Your message.

Dr. Adeeb: One deceased/brain-dead person can save 17 lives. So, people should feel encouraged to come forward and pledge their organs and save many precious lives.