KHI Conducts World Kidney Day Awareness Programme in Chennai, Launches Membership Card and Website
Chennai: KHI, a non-governmental organisation working for the welfare of kidney disease patients, organised a World Kidney Day awareness programme at Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts & Science in Chennai, highlighting the importance of kidney health, early detection of kidney disease and patient support.
KHI has been actively supporting kidney patients across Tamil Nadu and has now expanded its initiatives to Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prabhu Kanchi, Founder Trustee of KHI, said that the organisation focuses on improving access to kidney care through initiatives such as Zero Dialysis, aART (Adult Assistance for Renal Transplant) and KITES (Kidney Transplant Support for Children). He noted that KHI regularly conducts kidney disease awareness programmes, medical camps, free medicine distribution and nephrology consultations for economically disadvantaged patients.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Prabhu Kanchi said, “As we observe World Kidney Day 2026, we must confront a sobering reality — one in every eight people in India is affected by chronic kidney disease. Every year, nearly 2.2 lakh new patients reach end-stage kidney failure, creating a demand for over 34 million dialysis sessions annually. However, only about 10,000 kidney transplants are performed each year, indicating a huge gap that needs urgent attention.”
The programme was organised in a women’s college to emphasise the role of women as pillars of families and communities. Organisers noted that awareness among women can significantly help spread knowledge about kidney health within households and society.
As part of the awareness initiative, nearly 400 students formed the shape of a human kidney, symbolising collective responsibility towards protecting kidney health. The programme also featured awareness talks by students, an experience-sharing session by a kidney transplant survivor and addresses by invited guests.
During the event, KHI introduced a membership card for kidney patients, which will help them receive concessions on laboratory investigations, imaging tests and essential dialysis medications.
Five dialysis technicians were also honoured with the “Dialysis Guardian Awards” in recognition of their dedicated service to kidney patients.
The event also witnessed the launch of the KHI website, which highlights the organisation’s initiatives in kidney disease awareness, dialysis access, transplant support and patient welfare.
Prof. Dr. Neelamekam Kapali, Trustee of KHI, and Subashanthini Palanisamy, Advisor to KHI, were present at the event and emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, awareness and community participation in preventing kidney disease.
