Mumbai: Roughly 28 people are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) across the state every day, according to data available from the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2024-25.
CKD is the initial stage of kidney failure, with a percentage of these patients progressing to end-stage kidney disease that can be treated with a kidney transplant. In recent years, with the growing incidence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, the number of patients with kidney failure has also been increasing, said nephrologist Dr Bharat Shah.
The economic survey, which was tabled in the state legislative assembly last week, underlined this rising incidence. It said that 7,758 people across Maharashtra were diagnosed with CKD in the nine-month period between April and December 2024 – that is, 13% more than the CKD burden of 6,839 cases found for a 12-month period between April 2023 and March 2024. In 2022-23, the survey said that 6,521 CKD cases were reported.
Despite the rising graph seen in the survey’s figures, experts feel that the real burden of CKD could be higher. Dr Shah said that the numbers mentioned in the state economic survey seem to be on the lower side. “Globally, it’s estimated that 15% of the population suffers from chronic kidney disease. In India, the number could be higher because of the high incidence of diabetes,” he added.
According to national estimates, roughly 2 lakh patients are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in India every year, needing thrice-a-week dialysis or a kidney transplant. Senior endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi said, “As CKD often progresses silently, millions are at risk of severe complications, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare burdens.” He added that the focus should be on early detection, proactive management, and access to effective treatments.
In India, including cities such as Mumbai, by the time patients reach out for medical help, their kidney function has reduced by at least 75%. Many patients tend to ignore one of the most tell-tale signs of kidney failure: swelling in their legs. Dr Shah said he advises all diabetic patients to undergo an annual checkup comprising a urine test, a blood serum creatinine test, and an ultrasound scan of the kidneys.
