CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Kidney Research Foundation (Tanker) observed World Kidney Day on Thursday by organising an awareness programme in the lobby of Spencer Plaza.

Tanker's ambassador, cine actor Suriya spoke of the need to be aware of the causes of kidney damage.

With the Foundation members presenting a slide show on kidney diseases, the mall's foyer soon filled up with curious onlookers who donned fluorescent green caps supporting the cause. They were later seen scanning through the pamphlets with great interest.

Started in 1993 with just two dialysis machines, Tanker now boasts of 15 such equipment. A machine each has been installed in Pondicherry and Port Blair. Currently, 54 patients are undergoing treatment for kidney damage at the Kilpauk centre and six at Ambattur.

According to trustees of the foundation, at least 750 people in a million suffer from terminal kidney failure in India. While such people need at least three dialysis sessions per week, many cannot even afford one session a month.

Diabetics are generally prone to kidney ailments. Georgi Abraham, foundation trustee, said: "South Asians are highly prone to develop diabetes. Kidney diseases at a very early stage predisposes a person to heart attacks."

On an average, people test their blood sugar levels only seven years after they have turned diabetic, doctors say. A sedentary lifestyle and improper food habits contribute to obesity, which, in turn, may lead to kidney diseases.

Kalavathi Ponniraivan, Dean of the Government General Hospital, released a book on kidneys. Also, the Department of Nephrology, Madras Medical College, organised a seminar to mark World Kidney Day. M. Jayakumar, Professor, Nephrology Department and M.A. Muthu Sethupathy, former head of department, participated.

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