The Ministry of Health has launched an initiative for early detection and comprehensive treatment of kidney disease, which is on the rise in children.
The initiative – Pediatric Renal Assessment, Tratment and Intervention in Kerala (Pratiksha) – was formulated for early identification of kidney disease in children and to minimize the adverse impact of the disease by ensuring early intervention and treatment of the disease.
Health Minister Veena George launched the World Kidney Day initiative on Thursday (March 12, 2026) at SAT Hospital.
The rise in kidney disease is emerging as a major public health problem in children. Delays in diagnosis lead to complications that may eventually require children to be placed on expensive and long-term treatments for the disease, such as maintenance dialysis or kidney transplants. Such chronic conditions affect the health and quality of life of children and push families into poverty
Early detection
Pratiksha focuses on solving congenital kidney problems right from the time of pregnancy. A special team of experts, including an obstetrician, a pediatrician, a pediatric nephrologist and a pediatric surgeon, will monitor the pregnant woman during pregnancy to ensure that any congenital kidney abnormalities are caught and resolved during the neonatal period itself, and that the babies are offered comprehensive care and follow-up.
District Early Intervention Centers will refer infants and children who need special and advanced care and treatment to medical schools. SAT Hospital will function as a state-level pediatric nephrology centre.
Through Pratiksha, the state aims to detect kidney disease early and stop the progression of the disease through proper treatment. Long-term monitoring and a comprehensive kidney replacement program will be provided. The Ministry of Health intends to link the scheme with the Hridyam portal (which streamlines and manages the treatment of children with congenital heart disease) to ensure effective tracking, monitoring and continuity of care.
This program is expected to strengthen other initiatives to manage children’s health.
The kidney transplant team at SAT Hospital, which recently managed to perform two back-to-back pediatric kidney transplants, has been felicitated on World Kidney Day.
Kadakampally Surendran, MLA, presided. Director of Medical Education; senior officials of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College; K-SOTTO Executive Director Noble Gracious; Chief Pediatric Nephrology Susan Uthup, Child Health State nodal doctor, UR Rahul among others were present.
Published – 12 March 2026 21:06 IST
