According to data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), 120 out of every one million Filipinos develop chronic renal failure each year.
(Interview with Dr. Deanne Cuevas of Taguig.com)
However, early detection is often missed due to lack of regular check-ups or uncontrolled underlying conditions that can lead to kidney disease.
In commemoration of World Kidney Day on March 14, Thursday, the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) will conduct free screenings in Barangay Daang Hari, Taguig City from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In an interview with Taguig.com, Dr. Deanna Cuevas said that the tests will include urine, blood, and blood pressure for residents who come to the Daang Hari Barangay Hall.
"We have a Zumba activity as early as six a.m., followed by free urine dipstick screening for protein, random blood sugar test, and blood pressure check. There will also be free consultations with nephrologists. Our aim here is early detection of chronic kidney disease," Dr. Cuevas explained.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are not the only causes of kidney failure; glomerulonephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys' small filters, can also be detected through a urine dipstick test.
"It is important to have our urine and blood checked annually to prevent diseases that can lead to kidney damage," Dr. Cuevas advised.
