India’s Chronic Kidney Disease Cases Reach 138 Million in 2023, Second-Highest Worldwide: Study

New Delhi, November 2025: India is grappling with an alarming surge in chronic kidney disease (CKD), with 138 million adults estimated to be living with the condition in 2023, according to a new global analysis published in The Lancet. The report ranks India second globally after China, which leads with over 152 million cases.

The study, part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 initiative by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, reveals that CKD has become one of the world’s fastest-growing non-communicable diseases. The condition now affects nearly 800 million people worldwide, marking a twofold increase since 1990.

India’s Silent Kidney Crisis

Experts say the findings highlight a deepening public health crisis in India, where millions remain unaware they have kidney disease until it reaches advanced stages. CKD often progresses silently, showing no clear symptoms until significant kidney damage has occurred.

Health specialists link the rapid rise in CKD cases to the country’s growing burden of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and poor dietary habits. Together, these risk factors account for almost 70% of CKD cases across India.

“Chronic kidney disease is a ticking time bomb. Most patients come to us when their kidneys are already severely damaged,” said Dr. Ramesh Kumar, nephrologist at AIIMS, New Delhi. “If we start screening people with diabetes and high blood pressure early, we can prevent thousands of deaths and dialysis cases every year.”

Key Highlights from the Study

• India ranks 2nd globally with 138 million CKD cases; China leads with 152 million.
• CKD has become the 9th leading cause of death worldwide.
• 12% of all global cardiovascular deaths are linked to impaired kidney function.
• Major risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, obesity, poor diet, and high salt intake.
• CKD prevalence has more than doubled globally since 1990, driven largely by lifestyle-related diseases.

Why India Faces a Higher Risk

India’s CKD epidemic is closely tied to its rising rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The country is home to more than 100 million diabetics and over 200 million people with high blood pressure, according to government estimates. These two conditions are the leading causes of kidney failure in India.

Urban lifestyles — characterized by processed foods, physical inactivity, and rising obesity — have worsened the situation. Meanwhile, lack of regular health check-ups and low awareness in rural areas mean that millions remain undiagnosed.

“Most people don’t realize their kidneys are in trouble until it’s too late,” said Dr. Priya Nair, consultant nephrologist at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai. “By then, dialysis or transplant becomes the only option, both of which are expensive and emotionally draining.”

The Economic and Social Burden

CKD places a massive economic strain on Indian families. A single dialysis session costs between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000, and patients typically require it three times a week. Kidney transplants, though more sustainable, remain unaffordable for many and face a severe shortage of donors.

Healthcare experts warn that the cost of late-stage CKD care is pushing families into poverty. Preventive healthcare — through regular screening and early detection — remains the most cost-effective strategy to manage the disease.

Steps India Needs to Take

Public health experts are calling for an urgent national kidney health strategy to tackle the rising burden. Recommended measures include:

1. Nationwide screening for high-risk groups such as diabetics, hypertensives, and the elderly.
2. Inclusion of kidney function tests in routine health check-ups at primary healthcare centres.
3. Public awareness campaigns to educate people about kidney-friendly lifestyles.
4. Training for healthcare workers to recognize early signs of CKD.
5. Improving access to affordable dialysis and transplant facilities across states.

The government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme currently provides financial assistance for dialysis under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, but experts argue that prevention should be prioritized to reduce long-term healthcare costs.

The Global Context

Globally, CKD is now among the top 10 causes of death, surpassing diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Yet awareness remains alarmingly low — even in high-income nations. Researchers say that early lifestyle interventions, such as reducing salt intake, maintaining healthy body weight, and controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, could prevent millions of deaths each year.

According to Dr. Mohsen Naghavi, lead author of the study, “Chronic kidney disease is not only a medical issue but a development challenge. Its rise reflects broader failures in public health and lifestyle management.”

The Road Ahead

India’s healthcare system now faces the dual challenge of managing rising kidney disease cases and improving early detection mechanisms. Strengthening primary care, improving awareness, and integrating CKD prevention into national health policies could slow the trend.

Public health advocates emphasize that simple lifestyle changes — such as drinking adequate water, cutting down on processed foods, and avoiding unnecessary painkillers — can significantly lower kidney risks.

As India continues to urbanize, the country’s ability to respond effectively to lifestyle-driven diseases like CKD will determine the health of future generations. Without immediate intervention, experts warn, kidney disease could become India’s next major non-communicable epidemic, following diabetes and heart disease.

People Also Ask

In conclusion, India’s staggering 138 million CKD cases highlight an urgent need for stronger prevention, awareness, and early detection measures. As the nation battles this growing silent epidemic, experts stress that the key to combating chronic kidney disease lies not just in treatment — but in awareness and prevention.