AINU offers free kidney screening for individuals above 30 from March 12–31 to promote early detection and highlight the link between excess salt intake, hypertension, and kidney disease.
Chennai, March 9th, 2025: The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Chennai, as part of its World Kidney Day initiative, has launched a public awareness campaign “Romba Uppu… Romba Romba Thappu” to highlight the hidden dangers of excessive salt consumption in everyday diets and its impact on kidney health.
As part of the campaign, AINU will offer a free kidney screening package from March 12 to March 31, 2026, for individuals above the age of 30 years, encouraging early detection and preventive care.
The initiative aims to educate the public about the strong connection between high salt intake, elevated blood pressure, and kidney disease. Excess salt consumption is a major contributor to rising blood pressure and long-term hypertension, which are among the leading causes of kidney damage and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Dr. M. Navinath, Consultant Nephrologist & Renal Transplant Physician, AINU said, “Many people are unaware that something as common as excess salt in our daily diet can silently damage the kidneys over time. High salt intake increases blood pressure, and uncontrolled hypertension is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. Through the ‘Romba Uppu… Romba Romba Thappu’ campaign, we want to create awareness that small dietary changes and regular health screenings can go a long way in protecting kidney health. Early detection is critical because kidney disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.”
Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan, Managing Director, Chief Urologist, Robotic Surgeon & Uro-Oncologist, AINU, added “At AINU, our goal is not only to treat kidney disease but also to prevent it through awareness and early intervention. With increasing lifestyle changes and dietary habits, hypertension and kidney-related disorders are rising at an alarming rate. This initiative for World Kidney Day encourages individuals, especially those above 30, to undergo screening and understand their health risks early. By spreading awareness about the dangers of excess salt consumption and promoting preventive care, we hope to build a healthier community and reduce the long-term burden of kidney disease.”
Through this campaign, AINU seeks to encourage lifestyle changes, promote early diagnosis, and prevent long-term kidney complications. As part of the initiative, the hospital will also strengthen its outreach through a Dedicated Hypertension Clinic, enabling individuals to identify risks early and seek timely medical intervention before irreversible kidney damage occurs.
By combining awareness, screening, and specialist care, AINU aims to empower people to take control of their kidney health and reduce the growing burden of kidney disease in the community.