CHANDIGARH, 16.03.25-Department of Dietetics, PGIMER, Chandigarh held week long celebrations of World Kidney Day, 2025 , starting from 10^th March-15^th March, by organizing special diet clinics in all OPDs of PGI including new OPD and Advanced cardiac center. The aim was to sensitize public as well as patients regarding uncontrolled high blood pressure and its repercussions on kidney health ultimately leading to kidney failure if preventive steps are not taken in time. On this occasion, health talks regarding prevention and control of blood pressure and kidney failure through dietary management were delivered by the dietetics team including Chief Dietician, Dr. Nancy Sahni, Senior Dietician Mr. BN Behra as well as Ms. Sunila Chetri and Ms. Pratibha emphasizing on proper hydration, appropriate salt, fruits and vegetable intake and a balanced diet according to various life styles .Approximately 250 patients were counselled individually.

A survey form was also being filled seeking information about the knowledge, perceptions and food practices of patients. Dr. Ashish Bhalla, professor, department of Internal Medicine, PGIMER also sensitized the patients regarding high blood pressure, measures to control the same and its ill effects on kidney health if preventive and curative measures are not taken in time. He busted myths of the patients regarding taking pills, signs of hypertension as well as use of alternative medicines.

Pamphlets related to kidney health deciphering information about common causes as well as symptoms of the kidney disease, preventive measures for the same, kidney function test parameters , as well as foods to avoid as prevention / therapeutic measure for kidney failure were also distributed.