WORLD KIDNEY DAY Baxter launches ‘Choose Freedom’ campaign for patients

Team L&M

Dialysis care service provider Baxter India Private Ltd  has launched the “Choose Freedom” education campaign to raise awareness of the critical importance of timely dialysis treatment and empower End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients with an understanding of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) therapy. PD therapy helps achieve the quadruple aim of better clinical outcomes, allowing patients to maintain their lifestyle and independence, and improving health care professionals’ experiences.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing epidemic and a rising global public health concern, with 850 million people affected worldwide. As a progressive disease, very often linked to diabetes, CKD can lead to kidney failure, also known as ESKD, which requires dialysis.

The Choose Freedom campaign provides patients with the knowledge and confidence to have meaningful conversations about Peritoneal Dialysis and emphasises the potential positive impact of Shared Decision Making, a collaborative approach in which patients and their families work with healthcare professionals to choose the dialysis option that works best for their clinical condition, social circumstances, and lifestyle.

Says Dr Ajay Kher, Medical Director, Epitome Kidney Urology (Delhi), “Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in its early phase is asymptomatic and may manifest symptoms very late; it may progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or renal failure. Patients with chronic kidney disease should discuss with nephrologists their options for dialysis treatment before they progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This will help them make an informed decision about their course of treatment.”

Adds Dr Vijay Kher, Chairman of Nephrology, Epitome Kidney Urology Institute said, “Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is an option for at-home dialysis that carries a decreased risk of infection and can be handled independently by the patient after receiving the necessary training. It empowers patients to achieve their lifestyle goals and live well while on dialysis.”

Rishubh Gupta, General Manager, Baxter India Private Ltd., said, “World Kidney Day (observed every year on March 09) is an opportunity to draw attention to Chronic Kidney Disease as well as its management through Peritoneal Dialysis. We are committed to expanding access to PD therapy and enhance the quality of care for ESKD patients.”