Rising Chronic Kidney Disease Cases in Shimla: A Public Health Alarm

Chronic Kidney Disease on the Rise in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly becoming a significant health issue in Himachal Pradesh. A recent study from Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla has highlighted the growing prevalence of CKD, with Shimla identified as a key area of concern.
The research analyzed clinical data from 2,609 CKD patients treated at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla between 2014 and 2023. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of these cases were reported from Shimla district. Following Shimla, Mandi accounted for 14.5%, Solan for 10%, and Kullu for 8.6%, while the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti had the lowest incidence at just 0.6%.
The findings indicate that men are disproportionately affected, making up 60.2% of CKD patients, compared to 39.8% women. The disease is most common among individuals aged 57 and older, particularly in the 57-67 age bracket. Notably, 2023 marked a significant increase in CKD cases, reaching 16.9% of the total, a sharp rise from 6% in 2017.
Dr. Kamakshi Singh, a nephrologist at IGMC, attributes the rise in CKD to uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. She noted that factors such as protein leakage in urine, kidney infections, delayed treatment of kidney stones, and prolonged exposure to certain contaminants in water exacerbate the condition.
Additionally, lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol use, stress, and poor dietary habits are contributing to kidney damage. Another alarming discovery is the potential negative impact of excess chlorine used in drinking water purification on kidney health over time.
The combination of limited access to clean water, irregular eating habits, lack of physical activity, and increasing mental health challenges is creating an environment conducive to the silent spread of CKD throughout the state.