Comprehensive Programme PRATIKSHA Introduced for Paediatric Kidney Care
The Health Department has launched a comprehensive project called ‘PRATIKSHA’ (Pediatric Renal Assessment, Treatment and Intervention in Kerala State) to prevent and treat kidney diseases in children. The main objective of the project is to identify kidney-related problems at an early stage and provide timely treatment and intervention, thereby reducing the severity of serious kidney diseases among children.
A key feature of the project is that it focuses on early identification and intervention from the stage of pregnancy itself. The programme ensures a comprehensive care system covering pregnancy, the postnatal period, and long-term follow-up care. Services will be delivered through a multidisciplinary team that includes obstetricians, paediatricians, paediatric nephrologists, and paediatric surgeons.
Under the project, at-risk infants and children will be identified and registered through District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs). They will then be referred to medical colleges for detailed tests and specialized treatment. SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, will function as the state-level paediatric nephrology hub for the programme.
The project aims to strengthen early detection of chronic kidney disease in children, provide treatments to slow disease progression, ensure long-term treatment support, and implement a comprehensive renal replacement programme for children who require advanced care. For better monitoring and follow-up, the programme will be integrated with the Hridyam portal.
PRATIKSHA is expected to be a major initiative that further strengthens Kerala’s achievements in child healthcare. By ensuring early detection and proper treatment of serious kidney diseases, the project aims to secure a healthier future for children in the state.
Delayed diagnosis of kidney diseases in children often leads to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation, which has become a growing public health challenge. In this context, the PRATIKSHA project also aims to provide both medical and financial support to affected children and their families.
