On March 13, 2025, coinciding with World Kidney Day, the Romanian Society of Nephrology (SRN) issued a renewed call for the prioritization of early diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which affects approximately 1 in 10 Romanians. The significance of this appeal lies not only in awareness but also the alarming statistic: only 10% of individuals with CKD are diagnosed at its early stages.
Gener Ismail, the president of SRN, stated, "Our efforts are directed at ensuring integrated management of Chronic Kidney Disease, aligned with European standards, at all levels of healthcare throughout Romania. We support initiatives aimed at increasing the number of nephrologists and ensuring equitable territorial coverage. We want to guarantee all regions have the necessary resources for diagnosis and treatment, thereby ensuring no patient is neglected." This emphasis on equitable healthcare access is pivotal, especially since early intervention can vastly improve treatment outcomes.
The Ministry of Health has also been proactive, prioritizing changes to support nearly 2 million Romanians affected by CKD, many of whom remain unaware of their condition. Professor Alexandru Rafila, the Minister of Health, reiterated this commitment during the SRN's campaign, saying, "Chronic Kidney Disease does not hurt, and for this reason, many patients remain undiagnosed until treatment options become limited. Since 2023, the Ministry has prioritized changing this reality, ensuring reimbursement of two key diagnostic tests recommended by family doctors."
Diving deep, the initiative not only aims to bolster awareness but seeks to standardize diagnostic and monitoring frameworks across all healthcare levels, ensuring improved management of CKD. “The development and implementation of standardized frameworks for diagnosis and active monitoring at all levels of medical assistance represent priorities in optimizing CKD management," explained Ismail, highlighting the need for consistent collaboration among various stakeholders within the healthcare system.
The call to action from the SRN is underscored by the urgent need for public awareness. With the message, "Kidneys do not hurt, but CKD can silently affect you. Get tested, see your nephrologist, and protect your life!" the SRN encourages all Romanians to actively monitor their kidney health, especially considering the gaps highlighted by current diagnostic practices.
The statistics speak volumes. Despite the gravity of CKD, the road to widespread awareness and timely diagnosis is still fraught with challenges. Currently, only about 10% of those suffering from the disease are diagnosed early, leaving many to grapple with advanced stages of the disease without any prior indication of their health status.
The societal push urges comprehensive screening and heightened awareness, akin to campaigns associated with other non-communicable diseases. By fostering community engagement and health education, the SRN aims to shift the narrative around kidney health, ensuring early intervention becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Moving forward, the focus remains on transforming health care services, integrating nephrology specialists across regions, and offering accessible facilities for testing and treatment. The vision is clear: every Romanian should proudly know their kidney health status, and if necessary, access appropriate and timely treatment.
Despite the challenges faced during the early stages, collaboration among institutions and authorities is positioned as key to effectively managing CKD from screening to diagnosis and onward to treatment. Experts like Professors Ina Kacso and Adrian Covic advocate strongly for enhanced medical collaborations to underline the efficient management of CKD throughout the country.
Data suggests indisputable trends; as CKD remains one of the silent threats to health, continuous health initiatives are the bedrock upon which future preventive measures can flourish. The SRN's appeal occurs within the larger narrative of health education and public health priorities for the upcoming years.
Through such campaigns, the Romanian Society of Nephrology envisions not only improved health outcomes but also cultural change around how individuals perceive and prioritize their kidney health, leading to more patients seeking help before reaching advanced CKD stages. This cultural evolution may be just what the doctor ordered to counteract the overwhelming statistics surrounding kidney disease.
By addressing these core issues with urgency and compassion, the Romanian Society of Nephrology hopes to illuminate paths to healthier lives, bolstered by early action and stringent healthcare collaboration.