PMA warns of up to 50,000 new kidney failure cases in Pakistan this year

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has raised concerns over a growing crisis of kidney failure in Pakistan, warning that between 25,000 and 50,000 new cases of end-stage renal disease may emerge in the country this year. The warning was issued in a statement released on Thursday to mark World Kidney Day, which this year focuses on the theme ‘Kidney health for all — caring for people, protecting the planet’.

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, representing the PMA, highlighted that contaminated water remains a primary cause of renal failure in Pakistan. He noted that, according to reports, as much as 80 percent of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. The problem is particularly acute in rural areas, especially in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.

Dr Shoro stated that studies conducted in various regions of the country have found water supplies contaminated with heavy metals, including high levels of arsenic and lead. He emphasized that these contaminants, along with hard water, are contributing to the rising incidence of kidney disease.

The PMA’s statement underscores the urgent need for improved access to clean water as a means of preventing further increases in kidney-related illnesses. The association called for immediate action from authorities to address water contamination and to raise public awareness about the risks associated with unsafe drinking water.

World Kidney Day serves as a reminder of the importance of kidney health and the impact of environmental factors on public health. The PMA’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the country’s water quality and its implications for the health of millions of Pakistanis.