K’gala, A’pura lead in kidney diseases

Kidney diseases are on the rise in Kurunegala District which has overtaken Anuradhapura District statistics-wise, but it has not been possible to diagnose the causes of the disease in either district, to date. Polpithigama, Talawa, Nikawewa and Siyabalangamuwa are the most prone areas of the disease which was diagnosed first in 2005.

Siyabalangamuwa has been identified as the worst of the places. These details are the results of a study carried out by the Wayamba Province health department on the direction of specialist doctor Thilak Abeysekera of the Kandy Hospital who has specialised in kidney research work.

Urine tests have been conducted on around 970 men afflicted with the disease in these areas. Another study was conducted later and a clinic held by the health department on November 18 under the supervision of deputy director Dr. Soma Rajamanthri.

She was assisted by a team of doctors and nurses. Victims were identified after urine tests and samples referred for scanning. Dr. Rajamanthri had this to say:“The presence of chlorine is the reason for the affliction together with use of chlorinated water in aluminium pots for cooking. Other factors are the intake of kasippu by men and the presence of chemicals in the foods eaten. The use of tobacco and pain killing drugs are also other reasons. It is our duty to make the people knowledgeable on these matters to prevent them contracting the disease.”

She said shortage of required equipment hindered the work but nevertheless as many as 1780 tests were conducted and 85 victims identified at the clinics held. Since the victims were unaware of the disease, some die as it was too late when the disease was diagnosed. While men between 35 and 50 were prone to it around 20 per cent of women were also victims.