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Seha offers free checkups for kidney diseases

In a continued effort to increase awareness and prevent chronic kidney diseases, Seha and its healthcare facilities marked World Kidney Day on Thursday

ABU DHABI - In a continued effort to increase awareness and prevent chronic kidney diseases, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) and its healthcare facilities marked World Kidney Day on Thursday with a series of activities and learning programmes to educate both patients and visitors on the dangers of chronic kidney disease and how to prevent it. The activities will continue for a week.

Under the theme ‘Protect your kidneys and save your heart’, Al Rahba Hospital kicked the event off with a lecture for primary caregivers on chronic kidney disease prevention on Thursday.

The health awareness campaign organised by the Khalifa Hospital in Khalidia Family Park, abu Dhabi, on Friday to mark World Kidney Day. — KT photo by Shoaib Anwer

Al Rahba Hospital and Mafraq Hospital are both offering free checkups and screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and albumin levels — a key indicator of healthy kidney function — at their main entrances.

Dieticians are also at hand to give nutritional advice for kidney patients and distribute educational kits to visitors.

“Chronic kidney disease has been classified as one of the growing health concerns in the UAE,” said Timothy Dentry, Al Rahba Hospital CEO. “Through this event, we aim to educate patients and visitors on the importance of proper nutrition, regular medical checkups, and early treatment of kidney problems, which are vital to avoid complicated kidney problems in the future,” he added. “Early detection is important. By offering these free programmes on World Kidney Day, we hope to help patients avoid any long-term complications,” said Dr Anwar Sallam, acting chief medical officer at Mafraq Hospital.

Al Gharbia Hospital, meanwhile, is conducting tours of its kidney units for students in Grade 7 and above. The hospital will also host a football match to highlight the importance of physical activity for lifelong health.

“Lifelong care is vital for chronic kidney disease prevention. One of the causes of kidney failure is diabetes mellitus, a condition characterised by high blood sugar levels. Over time, this damages the kidney’s ability to filter. To prevent kidney disease, we recommend proper diet and exercise,” said Dr Basher Hamza, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Al Gharbia Hospital.

To educate physicians and nurses on chronic kidney disease risk, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) is hosting a series of lectures for its staff on early detection and prevention. “Early detection is crucial. Once we detect a problem, we can implement a treatment regimen before kidney damage manifests itself through other medical complications,” said Dr Abdul Karim Saleh, chair of renal unit and chair of education department at SKMC.

To reach a wider audience, Tawam Hospital will launch a public education campaign at Badawi Mall. Hospital staff will distribute leaflets and brochures highlighting the causes of chronic kidney disease and how it can be prevented. Medical professionals will also be at hand to answer questions and offer advice on overall kidney health.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com