KARACHI, March 7: The Pakistan Medical Association has expressed concern over the increasing number of kidney patients and flourishing business of kidney sellers.

In a statement issued on the World Kidney Day, the PMA said about 14 to 15 per cent population were suffering from hypertension and diabetes. Due to inadequate awareness such patients are unable to take medicine regularly and follow doctor’s advice.

PMA Karachi chapter’s secretary general Dr S.M. Qaisar Sajjad said the only solution left for a patient with failed kidneys was dialyses and transplantation, which were very costly.

In Pakistan, there are 120 dialysis centres, majority of them in the private sector, and 20 transplant centres, 19 of which were commercial, he noted.

The association said it was very much concerned over the flourishing business of unlawful kidney transplant. Kidney Bazaar of Pakistan was attracting many even from other countries since there was no law banning sale of human organ in Pakistan and no clearance was needed from the health department, the PMA said.

Pakistan had the expertise for kidney transplant but the absence of cadaver law had made kidney a commercial commodity owing to poverty and absence of any check on kidney trade, it added.

The PMA advised public to increase intake of safe water in hot weather and never allow children involve more in junk foods.

Patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes should follow all instructions given by their doctors and take regular medicines, it was pointed out.