Bangkok Post – Govt steps up plan to curb kidney disease

Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat has launched a campaign to promote free dialysis treatment while emphasising the importance of public education and lifestyle changes to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The initiative comes amid growing concern over the kidney health crisis.

Mr Pattana said that in 2024, Thailand recorded 1.12 million CKD patients. Among them, around 500,000 were in stage 3; 120,000 in stage 4; and about 75,000 in stage 5 (end-stage kidney failure).

The number continues to rise, with many unaware of their condition until the later stages, as early CKD often shows no symptoms.

Once the disease progresses to 3-5 stages, treatment expenses such as dialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation will be expensive, posing a heavy burden on families and the national healthcare budget, he said.

So, the ministry is advancing a CKD care policy — from prevention and screening to treatment and rehabilitation — to promote equitable access to services nationwide.

Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak, the Health Department’s director-general, said Thais ingest an average of 4,351 milligrammes of sodium per day, more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 2,000 mg, equal to one teaspoon of salt. Excessive sodium intake, dehydration and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can accelerate kidney damage.

She added unregulated herbal remedies, physical inactivity and neglecting regular check-ups also heighten CKD risks.

The Department of Health is intensifying screening among at-risk groups and promoting healthier habits — less salt, fewer processed foods, sufficient water intake, regular exercise and annual check-ups. Those with diabetes or hypertension are urged to maintain strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, she said.

Dr Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy director-general and nephrologist, said the ministry is running the “7.2 Million Thais Know Their Kidney Risk” campaign, honouring Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday in 2027.

People are encouraged to visit hospitals or local health centres for early screening and blood tests for estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine tests for protein leakage and blood pressure and glucose monitoring.

Small lifestyle adjustments can prolong kidney function for years and significantly reduce future dialysis dependency, he said.