Chennai hospital launches campaign on salt consumption and kidney health

City hospital AINU's campaign warns against high salt intake, promoting kidney health and offering free screenings for those over 30.

The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) has launched a public awareness campaign titled ‘Romba Uppu... Romba Romba Thappu’ to highlight the health risks of excessive salt consumption and its link to kidney disease.

The campaign, part of the hospital’s initiative to mark World Kidney Day, seeks to educate people about the connection between high salt intake, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. As part of the initiative, AINU will offer a free kidney screening package for individuals aged above 30 from March 12 to 31.

At a press meet on Monday, doctors said excess salt in daily diets is a major contributor to rising blood pressure and long-term hypertension, which are among the leading causes of kidney damage.

M. Navinath, consultant nephrologist and renal transplant physician at AINU, said many people were unaware that high salt consumption could silently damage the kidneys over time. He said kidney disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making early detection through screening crucial.

B. Arun Kumar, managing director and chief urologist at the institute, said the campaign aimed to promote preventive care and encourage lifestyle changes as hypertension and kidney-related disorders were rising with changing dietary habits.

He added that greater awareness and early screening could help reduce the long-term burden of kidney disease.