Gleneagles BGS Hospital held a poster exhibition on the occasion of World Kidney Day 2023. The event aimed to promote awareness of the importance of kidney health, encourage preventative behaviors, and highlight diabetes and high blood pressure as major risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The posters were designed to capture visitors’ attention and provide critical information on CKD, kidney transplantation, misconceptions and realities about kidney failure, dialysis, and other relevant topics. The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day was “Preparing for The Unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable,” which focused on the growing frequency of natural disasters and catastrophic events resulting from human activities that affect people with kidney disease. As a result, the need for resilient health systems capable of providing uninterrupted care has become critical on a global scale.
During the event, Biju Nair, Cluster COO at Bengaluru’s Gleneagles Hospital spoke about the importance of healthcare providers being prepared for unforeseen circumstances, saying, “With all the new learnings, we pledge to continue enhancing our services in accordance with patients’ evolving requirements and to be ready for any eventuality.”
Dr Anil Kumar BT, HOD and Sr Consultant, Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, BGS Gleneagles Hospital, shared the measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that patients with end-stage renal disease received the care they needed. He highlighted how dialysis patients received special attention, and those traveling from distant locations were provided with signboards, identity cards with photos, and signed certificates during times of lockdown when authorities were enforcing restricted movements. Furthermore, patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were not denied dialysis and were instead provided with it in a separate area. For transplant patients, OPD and tele-consultations were never stopped, and emergency transplantations were continued despite the risks to patients, physicians, nurses, and care providers.
Dr Narendra S HOD & Sr Consultant, Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, spoke about the initiatives that BGS GGH is undertaking to raise kidney health awareness and prevent kidney disease. These initiatives include offering a screening package to high-risk or vulnerable groups, a support group program for dialysis and transplant patients, and educating as many people as possible about the importance of kidneys and encouraging them to take proactive measures to maintain their health.
