At Lahore General Hospital an awareness walk marked World Kidney Day as hospital leaders urged stronger preventive measures to address rising kidney disease. Organised by Amir-ud-Din Medical College and LGH, the event highlighted how factors such as food adulteration, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles and environmental pollution are putting kidney health at risk.
Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal stressed the need for public education and proactive outreach, noting that while kidney disease increasingly affects men, women remain the main donors when transplantation is necessary. He emphasised that access to clean drinking water, balanced nutrition, regular exercise and avoidance of unnecessary medications are essential to protect kidney health.
Quoting the global theme, Prof. Farooq Afzal said “Kidney Health For All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet” and urged healthcare professionals and the media to amplify preventive messages so younger generations understand how to reduce their risk.
Dr. Abad-ur-Rehman, Professor of Nephrology at LGH, described chronic kidney disease as “a silent killer” that often progresses without symptoms. He advised that patients with diabetes and hypertension must undergo regular kidney function tests to detect problems early and avoid complications that can lead to dialysis.
Dr. Abad-ur-Rehman also urged simple lifestyle steps to preserve kidney health, including cutting down on salt, staying physically active and quitting smoking. He warned that signs such as morning facial or leg swelling, loss of appetite, foamy urine or breathing difficulties require immediate medical attention.
The awareness walk concluded with a media briefing in which Prof. Farooq Afzal cautioned against unlicensed practitioners and inappropriate medications that can cause irreversible kidney damage. Senior doctors, nurses and paramedical staff including Prof. Shandana Tariq, Prof. Faiza Athar, Prof. Amna Ahsan Cheema, Dr. Saira Zeeshan and others took part, carrying banners promoting kidney hygiene and environmental protection to reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and preventive care for the community.
