The number of people suffering from kidney disease worldwide has risen sharply, with nearly 800 million patients now affected, according to a recent study published in The Lancet. The report notes that since 1990, the number of cases has doubled, mainly due to failure to detect the disease at an early stage.

Kidney disease is now the ninth leading cause of death globally in 2023, researchers said. Experts warn that reduced kidney function can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Statistics show that China has the highest number of kidney patients (152 million), followed by India with 138 million. Other countries with over 10 million cases include the United States, Japan, Brazil, Russia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, among others.

Doctors say that kidney disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages, but later signs may include fatigue, swelling in the eyes or feet, changes in urination, nausea, itching, weight loss, and shortness of breath.

According to the Times of India, kidney diseases are often detected only in advanced stages. Regular urine tests can help identify the disease early, allowing patients to slow its progression through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

A new imaging technology, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is transforming the way heart blockages are detected and treated, significantly improving the success rate of angioplasty procedures.

Previously, angioplasty relied on angiography to locate arterial blockages, but it couldn’t reveal the nature or structure of those blockages. Doctors often had to depend on assumptions while placing stents, increasing the risk of future complications.

With OCT, doctors can now obtain highly detailed images of arteries, identifying the exact location and type of blockage — including deposits of calcium, fat, and fibrous tissue. The technology uses light-based imaging to create precise cross-sectional visuals of blood vessels, helping ensure optimal stent placement.

According to Dr. Debdatta Bhattacharya, a cardiac surgeon, “OCT-guided angioplasty allows the stent to open fully, reducing the risk of re-blockage to just 1–2 percent.”

Experts recommend checking whether hospitals offer OCT facilities before undergoing angioplasty, as the technology has drastically enhanced the accuracy and long-term success of the procedure.

The 20-bed government hospital in Kuakata, Patuakhali, has become completely doctorless once again. After the transfer of its only doctor, Dr. Supriya Das, on September 17, medical services at the hospital have virtually come to a halt. Currently, both the emergency and outpatient departments are being run by a sub-assistant medical officer.

Patients are returning home without treatment. Momtaz Begum (38), from Latachapli Diar’s Amkhola area, said, “I came to see a doctor for my fever, but since there is none, I’ll buy medicine from a pharmacy instead.”

Local resident Hasan said that the hospital has never had full staffing since it opened. As a result, residents of Kuakata municipality and four unions in Mohipur upazila are being deprived of healthcare.

The hospital’s history shows chronic neglect. Its operations began on July 1, 2010, with the posting of the first doctor, Afroza Akbar, who mysteriously went missing in January 2011. After the formal inauguration on February 25, 2012, it functioned intermittently with one or two doctors.

Out of six sanctioned medical posts—including four junior consultants, one residential medical officer, and one medical officer—not a single doctor is currently employed. Of the 17 approved staff positions, 12 remain vacant, while many have been transferred elsewhere.

Hafizur Rahman Akash, president of the “Amra Kuakatabashi” volunteer group, said, “Kuakata is a major tourist destination. Ensuring proper healthcare for tourists and locals is essential. The hospital must be fully staffed immediately.”

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari admitted that there is a severe doctor shortage in Kuakata and nearby areas, adding that the issue has been reported to higher authorities.
Patuakhali Civil Surgeon Dr. Khaledur Rahman Mia confirmed the vacancy and said the problem would be resolved soon.