Theme: Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable
“Emphasize GMU social responsiveness and community engagement by providing affordable and sustainable quality healthcare for different sectors of the community and promoting a healthy lifestyle – GMU Mandate.”
According to the Global Burden of Diseases study 2019, progressive renal conditions have been seen to affect >10% of the general population and chronic kidney disease affects more than 800 million individuals worldwide. Thus, Gulf Medical University (GMU) and the Center for Nephrology at the JCI accredited Thumbay University Hospital (TUH) commemorated World Kidney Day on March 13, 2023 with the objectives to create awareness about kidney health, reduce the incidence and impact of kidney disease worldwide, and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
The event was organized by Dr. Rajaram Jagdale, Senior Nephrologist at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman and Dr. Liju Susan Mathew, Lecturer in Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, GMU. The students of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Higher Diploma in Pre-clinical Sciences (HDPCS), and Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.Sc. MLS) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs of Gulf Medical University actively participated in the event conducted at the outpatient clinics and Dialysis Unit of Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman.
The activities included education about the vital role of the kidneys in maintaining overall health and well-being, the need to follow healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol, assist individuals to undertake regular screening to detect kidney disease early to significantly reduce the risk of developing complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke, advocacy for better access to kidney healthcare and dialysis for all individuals regardless of their economic or social status.
This interprofessional students’ activity focused on giving back to the community through patient education on important public health issues as part of social responsibility and social accountability, aligned with the mission and vision of GMU.
The enthusiastic students enabled the public to understand kidney diseases as a progressive condition, which gradually affects the function, and thereby the structure of the kidney, and associated systems of the body. They highlighted the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and educated the public about the effect of diabetics, hypertension, obesity, and the importance of family history on kidney diseases. Special mention was made about the adverse effects of long covid-19 infection and long-term ingestion of herbal medications. Attention was given to educating health professionals playing a major role in early detection, referrals, and prompt management before complications ensue.
Dr. Rajaram Jagdale, said “World Kidney Day event was a collaborative and conducive learning ecosystem for the students and patient education. Events like these will benefit both the student community and population at large to advocate a healthy lifestyle and support patients with kidney diseases to lead a better quality of life.”
The testimonials said it all. A patient who visited the exhibit said, “Thank you for explaining the working of the kidney and for helping me understand the importance of lifestyle modification to maintain my health and wellness.” Ms. Afrah, a 3rd year medical student said, “The event made me understand the need to be socially accountable to be a good doctor.” “I was very happy to be part of this event and my group helped the public understand the function of kidneys, and the need to maintain kidney health.” said Ms. Aysha, 1st year HDPCS student. Ms. Srija, 2nd year B.Sc. MLS stated “Interacting with the public and advocating a good cause was both challenging and exciting”. “Teaching the harmful effect of certain medications on the body, especially kidneys, should be an essential part of patient education”, said Ms. Fathima, a final year Pharm-D student.
The World Kidney Day 2023 event was inaugurated by Chancellor Prof.Hossam Hamdy and Dr.Fozi Dakilah, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Dr.Manvir Singh Walia, and Dr. Omar.
