Chronic kidney disease surge in Markapuram as dialysis patients double in 5 years

Vijayawada: In an alarming trend, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cases are rising at an abnormal pace in the Markapuram region of Prakasam district, making the upland belt another CKD hotspot in Andhra Pradesh after Uddanam (Srikakulam) and A Konduru (Krishna). The number of patients undergoing dialysis at the Markapuram government hospital has nearly doubled in the last five years.Doctors and health officials say the steady increase in kidney ailments has become a major public health concern. Patients from Markapuram town and surrounding mandals are increasingly dependent on regular dialysis to survive.The dialysis centre at the govt area hospital has become a lifeline, catering not only to local patients but also to those travelling from remote villages and nearby districts. Many who earlier went to Guntur, Kurnool or Vijayawada now rely on the Markapuram facility.Hospital authorities said several patients require dialysis two to three times a week, leading to heavy inflow throughout the week. Staff work in multiple shifts to ensure treatment for all registered patients. However, limited dialysis machines have begun to strain infrastructure, forcing patients to wait long hours. Despite challenges, the free services under the govt health scheme have been a major relief for poor families, as private hospitals charge ₹3,000–₹3,500 per session.Health experts believe contaminated drinking water, untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, lifestyle issues, and exposure to agricultural chemicals may be contributing factors. They stress the need for detailed scientific studies and early diagnosis to reduce dependence on dialysis.Locals are hopeful that completion of the Veligonda irrigation project will provide potable water from Srisailam. Experts suspect dependence on high-fluoride groundwater could be triggering kidney diseases in the region. Rising CKD cases in Markapuram region• CKD cases rising rapidly in the upland areas of Prakasam district• Markapuram emerging as a new CKD hotspot in AP• Dialysis patients at Markapuram govt hospital increased by nearly 100% in 5 years *The number of dialysis patients, which was around 350 about 5 years ago, touched 750. *The state govt set up 65 dialysis units at Markapuram govt hospital, 50 units in Kanigiri, 36 units in Giddalur, and 10 units in Yerragondapalem, which were always running at full capacity.• Patients require dialysis 2 to 3 times a week• Private dialysis costs ₹3,000–₹3,500 per session• Govt hospital dialysis provides free or subsidised treatment• Need for more dialysis machines, technicians, and screening camps