State-Of-The-Art Kidney Hospital In Srikakulam As The Mystery Around Uddanam Nephropathy Continues

Uddanam Nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become endemic in Uddanam in Andhra Pradesh. The emergence of nephropathy at an endemic scale was first reported in the state in the 1990s.

By 2015, the region had recorded over thousands of cases of kidney disease, with an estimated 4,500 fatalities in the last one decade. The cause of this disease remains unidentified, and the World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as the "least understood and the least publicized" nephropathy of unknown origin.

In 2011, a research study conducted by a group of researchers identified that the levels of phenols and mercury in the drinking water in the region were exceptionally high. Phenols and mercury, known for their highly toxic nature, exhibit bio-accumulative properties. Consequently, the study concluded that these waters are unsuitable for potable purposes. Nevertheless, the study did not definitively assert that water was the exclusive cause for the prevalence of the disease.

The chronic kidney disease has mainly affected the people in the mandals of Kaviti, Sompeta, Kanchili, Itchapuram, Palasa and Vajrapukotturu.

Even as the people here battle the disesase, Andhra CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday inaugurated the Dr YSR Kidney Research & Super Speciality Hospital in Palasa, Srikakulam. This significant development aims to give a permanent solution to decades-long chronic kidney issues affecting the residents of Uddanam in the Srikakulam district and also symbolises a crucial stride in healthcare advancement in Andhra Pradesh.

The state-of-the-Hospital jas 200 beds and it is constructed at a cost of Rs. 85 crore. Additionally, he dedicated the monumental YSR Sujaladhara Project, a transformative endeavour providing purified drinking water to 6.78 lakh people in 807 villages at a cost of Rs 700 crore. This dual inauguration marks a resolute commitment to addressing critical health challenges and fostering a healthier, more resilient community under the visionary leadership of CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Speaking at the historic event, CM Jagan said, "The people of Uddanam still remember the words that I said on December 30, 2018. I promised them that we would give a permanent solution to their long-standing kidney issues. With your blessings and the grace of God, we've now set up a state-of-the-art hospital and kidney research center, fulfilling that commitment."

Emphasising the government's proactive stance in implementing measures for the treatment of those affected, CM Jagan said, "We're actively screening residents in seven districts to detect kidney diseases early. With over two lakh screening tests conducted, we're identifying those affected and offering treatment. To enhance accessibility, we've equipped 24 PHCs and 6 CHC centers in Uddanam with semi-autoanalyzers. Additionally, we provide 30 essential medicines to victims through a free door-to-door distribution system."

Expressing confidence in the Uddanam Kidney Research Center becoming a beacon of inspiration for the nation, the CM remarked, "I've directed the doctors to commence kidney transplantation operations here by February next year. The Uddanam Kidney Research Center is poised to set a national benchmark with its cutting-edge facilities. With a team of 375 dedicated professionals, including qualified doctors and staff, this hospital is committed to addressing the long-standing health challenges faced by the people."