NephroPlus study has pointed out that while 3 sessions per week is the globally accepted minimum treatment modality for kidney failure also known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), the majority, 72 per cent of patients in India opt for lesser frequency adversely affecting their longevity and quality of the life.

Of the 72 per cent, 65 per cent choose twice a week modality instead of thrice as prescribed and 7 per cent opted for once a week modality. As per the findings, the patient behaviour to under-treat themselves is an outcome of their lack of affordability and also understanding of the implications of under-treatment. Clinically, worldwide, it is proven that under treatment puts the patients at risk with most common outcome being cardiac arrest.

The research is the largest ever conducted in India and analyses evolution of dialysis practices and current trends in India. The findings are a result of detailed study conducted amongst over 1,300 patients between January 2013 and July 2014 across 10 states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh). Out of the centres covered 84 per cent were hospital-based centres and 16 per cent were free-standing centres. Of these, 55 per cent, 28 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively were in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.

Elaborating about the research Mr. Kamal Shah, cofounder and director of patient services, NephroPlus who himself has been on dialysis for 18+ years said, “With more than 2 lakh people developing kidney failure every year, kidney disease is one of the most chronic epidemics to affect the country, but it is widely neglected. While there has been some improvement with few state governments coming forward and subsidising the dialysis treatment, the situation calls for greater participation from state and central governments and also large employers.”

“Throughout the world, dialysis is reimbursed by government since it’s a very costly chronic treatment. I have seen thrice a week modality and much better compliance with medications when either their employer or a government scheme pays for dialysis treatment. Adoption of innovative models such as public-private partnership can definitely make dialysis accessible, affordable and thereby improves the clinical outcome in the country,” added Dr. Umesh Khanna, chairman, Mumbai Kidney Foundation.

From zonal perspective with only 14 per cent of the patients undergoing the required 3 session per week, North India presented a very dismal picture. However, the patients in the southern region were better informed and were more compliant. Around 33 per cent of the patients in the southern region are undergoing 3 sessions a week far better than the national average of 28 per cent.

The research not only highlighted the treatment pattern, it also threw light on the quality of treatment. As per the report, around 16 per cent of the dialysis patients across the country were affected by hepatitis C calling for better quality treatment facilities across the country. Hepatitis C is one of the most dangerous cross infections that dialysis patients get infected. In fact, majority of people with hepatitis C will proceed to liver cirrhosis necessitating a liver transplant further deteriorating the health and causing early mortality among dialysis patients. Strict implementation of infection prevention protocols combined with clinical audits are the only solutions to contain the spread of cross infections.

NephroPlus is India’s largest dialysis provider network offering highest quality dialysis services. With a strong commitment to quality, it is spearheading a change in the way in which dialysis is done in India and beyond. NephroPlus has 41 centres currently across 12 states in India and is coming soon to many other geographies. The goal of NephroPlus is to enable dialysis patients to live life normally, encouraging them to do things everyone does like work, travel and have fun. In line with this vision, NephroPlus had recently conducted Indian Dialysis Olympiad, first of its kind national sporting event exclusively for dialysis patients.