Nearly 30 million people in Pakistan are suffering from kidney disease, with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, genetic disorders and unnecessary use of medicines among the major causes, nephrologists have warned. Speaking at a seminar in a local hotel on Sunday, Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) Vice President Prof. Dr. Ali Saqlain Haider said kidney-related diseases were causing more than 30,000 deaths every year in the country.

Speaking at a seminar in a local hotel on Sunday, Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) Vice President Prof. Dr. Ali Saqlain Haider said kidney-related diseases were causing more than 30,000 deaths every year in the country.

He said diabetes and hypertension were leading causes of kidney damage, while kidney stones, intrinsic kidney diseases and certain genetic disorders could also eventually lead to kidney failure.

Prof. Haider expressed concern over widespread self-medication, saying people often take medicines for pain and common illnesses without consulting doctors. The unnecessary or prolonged use of certain medicines can damage the kidneys, he warned.

He stressed the need for early detection and regular screening, particularly among people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.

According to the expert, a urine test and blood tests for urea and creatinine can help detect kidney problems at an early stage. Ultrasound may also be recommended by doctors where necessary.

PSN President Prof. Dr. Amir Azhar described kidney disease as a growing “silent problem”, saying many patients only seek medical attention after significant kidney damage has already occurred.

Experts warned that advanced kidney disease can leave patients dependent on lifelong dialysis or require a kidney transplant, both of which remain expensive and difficult to access for many Pakistanis.

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