Chronic Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka Claims Five Lives Daily

Approximately five people in Sri Lanka die each day due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the National Unit for Kidney Disease Prevention and Research (NRDPRU).

Consultant Community Physician and Director of the Unit, Dr. Chintha Gunaratne, revealed that more than 1,600 deaths were reported in 2023 alone from kidney-related conditions. She made this statement during a media briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau on kidney health awareness.

Dr. Gunaratne stressed that one of the major challenges in combating CKD is the late appearance of symptoms. Since many patients do not recognize the disease until it reaches an advanced stage, she strongly advised individuals already living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension to undergo regular kidney screenings.

Health experts continue to warn that early detection and lifestyle management are key to reducing the rising burden of chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka.