Fortis launches self help group for kidney patients

Amritsar, Mar 13 (UNI) A self help group "Sahayak" was today launched in the region to mark the "World Kidney Day".

Sahayak, a community welfare initiative launched under the aegis of 'Fortis charitable foundation' is a platform for interaction of patients, their families with medical specialists and hospital support staff to sort out their day-to-day medical problems.

At least 400 patients already taking treatment in hospital enrolled themselves in Sahayak today.

On the occasion Dr. Mohit Nagpal, Nephrologist said the alarming rise in kidney ailments was attributed to silent killers like diabetes, high blood pressure, hard water causing kidney stones, obesity and 'stress due to faulty lifestyle'.

He further added that out of the total number of patients approaching the hospital at least 10 per cent to 11 per cent were suffering from kidney related disease and 3 to 4 per cent were those with permanent kidney damage.

A two-day camp was also organised camp for the benefit for the kidney patients in the region on the occasion during which consultations, check-ups and tests were offered at concessional rates.

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