Manipal Hospitals leads the way with thought-provoking campaigns and engaging discussion forums

Bengaluru: In celebration of World Kidney Awareness Month, Manipal Hospitals has launched an innovative and thought-provoking campaign to highlight the urgent need for kidney health awareness. Symbolically titled ‘Nationwide Mass Kidney Sacrifice’, the campaign has captured people’s attention with its impactful message – kidneys across the country are “sacrificing” due to neglect, unhealthy lifestyle and delayed diagnosis.

As a part of this larger initiative, Manipal Hospitals organised kidney awareness discussion forums across multiple units in Bengaluru. On March 20, 2025, Manipal Hospital Whitefield and Manipal Hospital Varthur Road together hosted an important event attended by over 80 senior citizens. The event included two dynamic panel discussions led by eminent nephrologists and urologists who delved into important aspects of kidney health, risk factors and medical advancements.

Panel 1: The silent epidemic – early detection and management of kidney diseases

The first panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rashmi SR, Consultant Nephrology and Transplant Physician at Manipal Hospitals Whitefield and Varthur Road, set the tone for the event by highlighting why kidney diseases are often referred to as ‘silent killers’. Experts emphasised that early-stage kidney diseases often go unnoticed due to lack of symptoms, and most patients are diagnosed only when the disease is advanced. The discussion covered risk factors, diagnostic advancements, lifestyle interventions and the role of public awareness in tackling chronic kidney disease (CKD). Key points from nephrologists at the panel discussion:

• Dr Manoharan B, Consultant-Nephrology and Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road, underlined the asymptomatic nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), saying, “Many patients come to us only when their kidneys have already stopped functioning. In rural areas, diagnosis is further delayed due to limited access to healthcare. Even after acute kidney injury (AKI), regular follow-up is a must to prevent long-term damage.”