Photo Credit: Bangkok Post
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has launched a campaign to provide free dialysis treatment and highlighted the importance of public education and lifestyle modifications to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The initiative stems from increasing concerns over Thailand’s growing kidney health crisis. Minister Pattana stated that in 2024, the country reported 1.12 million CKD patients, with approximately 500,000 in stage 3, 120,000 in stage 4, and around 75,000 in stage 5 (end-stage kidney failure). The number continues to rise, often without early warning signs, since early CKD typically presents no symptoms.
He emphasized that once CKD advances to stages 3-5, treatment costs such as dialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplants become very costly, placing a significant financial strain on families and the national healthcare system.
To address this, the Ministry is expanding its CKD care policy, covering prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation to ensure equitable access to services nationwide.
Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Health Department, noted that Thais consume an average of 4,351 milligrams of sodium daily—more than double the WHO recommended limit of 2,000 mg (about one teaspoon of salt). She warned that excessive sodium intake, dehydration, and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or diclofenac can speed up kidney damage.
She also pointed out that unregulated herbal remedies, physical inactivity, and neglecting routine check-ups increase CKD risk.
The Department of Health is intensifying screening efforts for high-risk groups and promoting healthier habits, including reducing salt, avoiding processed foods, staying well-hydrated, exercising regularly, and undergoing annual check-ups. Those with diabetes or hypertension are advised to strictly control blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Dr. Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy director-general and a nephrologist, announced the “7.2 Million Thais Know Their Kidney Risk” campaign, launched in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday in 2027.
The campaign encourages individuals to visit hospitals or local health centers for early screening, including blood tests for estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine tests for protein leakage, and blood pressure and glucose monitoring.
He stressed that small lifestyle changes can preserve kidney function for years and greatly reduce the need for dialysis in the future.