An
initiative by the Manipal Institute of Nephrology & Urology
Kolkata:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing public
health concerns worldwide and thousands continue to rely on lifelong dialysis
due to delayed diagnosis and limited awareness. Thus, with an aim to provide
holistic information under one roof, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria organised
Dialysis Patient Summit, an initiative by the Manipal Institute of
Nephrology & Urology. The unique patient-centric programme brought
together more than 50 dialysis patients, individuals awaiting dialysis,
kidney transplant recipients and their caregivers to create a platform for
learning, interaction and shared experiences. The summit was moderated by Dr.
Arghya Majumdar, Advisor &
Senior Consultant Department of Nephrology & Kidney Transplant and Dr.
Upal Sengupta, Director and Clinical
Lead, Department Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Manipal Hospital
Dhakuria. The program also witnessed the presence of Dr Bastab Ghosh
Consultant Urologist.
The programme commenced with
a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by an interactive panel discussion on Kidney
Health, where the doctors addressed common misconceptions surrounding
kidney disease, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, discussed advancements
in dialysis, kidney transplantation, and encouraged patients to seek timely
medical intervention. The session also highlighted lifestyle modifications,
nutritional management and adherence to treatment as key pillars in managing
chronic kidney disease.
To ensure patients received
personalised guidance, dedicated interaction kiosks were set up by
multidisciplinary teams from Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dialysis
Services and Peritoneal Dialysis, enabling attendees to discuss their
concerns directly with experts and receive holistic counselling tailored to
their individual needs. Adding a personal touch to the event, there was an essay
competition, where patients shared inspiring stories of resilience, hope
and determination throughout their treatment journeys. Santanu Chatterjee,
Susanta Ganguly, Paras Sharma, Projesh Kumar Ghosh, Maloya Talapatra, Sarthak
Das and Dr. Kaberi Choudhuri were felicitated during a prize distribution
ceremony by the attending doctors in recognition of their courage and
perseverance.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arghya Majumdar, "In view of
the growing burden of chronic kidney disease there is an urgent need for
greater patient awareness and preventive action. Once the patient reaches end
stage renal disease, their lives become quite miserable & they become
incapacitated. Dialysis or renal replacement therapy is much more than a
medical procedure, it is a life-changing journey that affects patients
physically, emotionally and socially & allows them to live life again.
Through this summit, we wanted to create a platform where patients could have
easy access to specialists, ask questions without hesitation, learn from the
doctor and one another and understand that with timely and regular treatment,
proper nutrition and adherence to medical advice, they can continue to lead
fulfilling and meaningful lives and achieve their potential.”
Dr. Upal Sengupta,
said, "With over 2 lakh people in India developing end-stage kidney
disease every year, the need for timely intervention and greater awareness
around kidney transplantation has never been more critical. For eligible
patients, a kidney transplant offers better long-term survival and a
significantly improved quality of life compared to lifelong dialysis. However,
misconceptions and a lack of awareness often delay timely decisions. Through
initiatives like this, we aim to educate patients, dispel myths and encourage
informed conversations about transplantation, while reinforcing the importance
of early diagnosis and regular kidney health screening."
While sharing his inspiring
journey during the summit, Mr. Arup
Kumar Das, a 52-year-old government employee, from Barrackpore and a kidney
transplant recipient, said, "When I was diagnosed with kidney failure in
2007, my life
changed overnight. I thought
that all is lost and I will not be able to work anymore. I was commence on
dialysis. After undergoing dialysis for nearly an year, I received a kidney
transplant in June 2008. For the past 18 years I have lead a healthy and active
life, I continue to work full-time, travel extensively for my job and cherish
every moment with my family. I become a proud father a few years ago. Through
my experience I have learnt that by adhering strictly to medical advice, with
support of loved ones and expert medical care, a kidney transplant can truly
offer a second chance at a full life. I am extremely thankful to Dr Arghya
Majumdar for standing with me through my journey and giving me a second chance
at life.”
Mr Pradyumna Sinha, a Senior Advocate shared his journey, “I never felt as a patient
after meeting Dr Upal Sengupta who has given me a second life. Post kidney
transplant I am leading a normal life, carrying out my profession and I have
fought the fear of undergoing a major surgery. With this program Manipal
Hospital has educated and empowered people to overcome the fear of dialysis and
transplant and also to lead a healthy lifestyle for a healthier life. Taking
medicines on time is a must for the patients and always follow the instructions
as advised by the doctors.”
In his address, Mr. Dilip
Kumar Roy, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria,
stated, "The diagnosis of kidney disease impacts not just the patient, but
the entire family. While doctors provide treatment, healing also comes from
knowledge, emotional support and the reassurance that patients are not alone in
their journey. Through the Dialysis Patient Summit, we wanted to create a
platform where patients could learn, share their experiences and draw strength
from one another. At Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, our commitment goes beyond
providing the best clinical care, we strive to stand by our patients at every
step of their journey, helping them live with hope, confidence and
dignity."
The summit concluded with an
interactive session that enabled patients and caregivers to connect with
experts, seek guidance and share experiences. Through this unique initiative,
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting kidney health
awareness, encouraging timely intervention and empowering patients to lead
healthier, more confident lives.