Andhra Pradesh rolls out kidney disease screening in Uddanam

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched biomarker-based testing in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district to detect chronic kidney disease early, setting up a ₹80 lakh diagnostic laboratory at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam.

Health department teams have collected nearly 1,500 blood and urine samples from residents across affected villages. Urine-based biomarker testing, being used in the region for the first time, will predict an individual’s risk of developing kidney disease over the next three to four years.

Senior nephrologist Prof. Tatapudi Raviraju is guiding the research, with D G Prasad as principal investigator. Teams are also collecting epidemiological data through questionnaires on family history and risk factors. The study will include genetic analysis through RNA sequencing.

The ICMR sanctioned the project with a ₹6.2 crore grant over three years following State government intervention. Health Minister Y. Satyakumar Yadav has directed officials to fast-track the study and support the affected population.

Experts called the screening unprecedented in India, saying it will clarify disease patterns and risk factors in Uddanam. The findings are expected to improve early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in Srikakulam district.