Date:10/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/10/stories/2006031008710500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Plan to spread awareness of kidney diseases

Staff Reporter

FOR AWARENESS: Director of Manipal Institute of Nephrology and Urology H. Sudarshan Ballal (right) speaking about a display at an exhibition to mark World Kidney Day, in Bangalore on Thursday. (From left) Mount Carmel College Principal Sr. Juanita, f ormer Chief Justice of the Karnataka and Kerala High Courts V.S. Malimath, and principals of Cathedral Composite College and Bishop Cotton Boys School John Zachariah and Abraham Ebenzer are seen. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

BANGALORE: At a programme to mark the first World Kidney Day here on Thursday, the heads of three academic institutions pledged to increase awareness of kidney diseases.

Abraham Ebenzer, John Zachariah and Sr. Juanita, principals of Bishop Cotton Boys School, Cathedral Composite College and High School, and Mount Carmel College, respectively, said they will promote awareness of kidney diseases among their students and staff, and ensure that the message reaches home.

Concerted effort

"We are willing to work with doctors and spread the message not only in schools and colleges across the city but across the State," Mr. Zachariah said at a press conference organised by Manipal Hospital. World Kidney Day will be celebrated on the second Tuesday every March to promote awareness of kidney problems.

Scenario

Director of Manipal Institute of Nephrology and Urology H. Sudarshan Ballal said kidney diseases are likely to become a major concern around the world.

He stressed the need to diagnose kidney problems at an early stage to try and prevent their progression. End-stage kidney disease is painful and the treatment expensive, he said. The Government will have to allocate more than Rs. 1,000 crores for treatment of patients with kidney disease in the country, he added.