Telangana Faces Kidney Failure Surge: Unregulated Medicines and Quackery Under Scrutiny
Doctors in Telangana are concerned about a rise in kidney failure cases, especially among young people, potentially linked to self-prescribed alternative medicines and quackery.
Photo by Zulfugar Karimov
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Study conducted between March 2021 and November 2022 at Osmania General Hospital.
Examined 75 patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Telangana.
Mean age of patients was 41.7 years; 68% were men.
77.3% relied on groundwater as primary drinking water.
40% reported using alternative medicine in the past.
Histological analysis showed 44% had global glomerulosclerosis (scarred filtering units).
33% of participants had hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels).
40% were in stage five chronic kidney disease at diagnosis; 9.3% required renal replacement therapy.
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Kidney Failure Surge in Telangana: A Public Health Concern
This map highlights Telangana, the state grappling with a concerning rise in kidney failure cases linked to unregulated medicines and quackery. It underscores the geographical focus of the current public health crisis.
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Exam Angles
Public health as a State subject and the role of central government in policy and regulation.
Legal frameworks governing drugs and medical practices (Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Clinical Establishments Act).
The concept of 'Right to Health' under Article 21 and state's responsibility.
Challenges in regulating traditional and alternative medicine systems (AYUSH).
Social determinants of health: health literacy, access to affordable healthcare, and socio-economic disparities.
Ethical considerations in medical practice and consumer protection.
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Summary
Doctors in Telangana are grappling with a concerning rise in kidney failure cases, particularly affecting young patients who often lack the typical risk factors like diabetes or hypertension. This situation is prompting researchers to investigate potential causes. A study published last year by nephrologists from Osmania General Hospital and Apollo Hospitals suggests a possible link to the increasing use of self-prescribed alternative medicines and widespread quackery.
Many patients admitted to using these unregulated substances without medical guidance, often in unlabelled forms. While a direct scientific link is yet to be definitively established due to the difficulty in analyzing these substances, medical professionals are calling for a strict crackdown on all illegal and unsafe medical practices. This issue highlights critical gaps in public health regulation and the dangers of unregulated healthcare practices.
Background
Latest Developments
The news highlights a concerning surge in kidney failure cases in Telangana, especially among young patients without typical risk factors. Preliminary investigations by medical professionals suggest a strong correlation with the use of self-prescribed, unregulated alternative medicines and quackery.
The difficulty in scientifically analyzing these unlabelled substances poses a significant challenge to establishing a definitive link. This situation underscores the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework and strict enforcement against illegal medical practices.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of medical practices and drugs in India: 1. Public health and sanitation fall under the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. 2. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 primarily regulates the manufacture, sale, and distribution of allopathic drugs, but also covers some aspects of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathic drugs. 3. The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 aims to register and regulate all clinical establishments including those practicing alternative systems of medicine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. 'Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries' is Entry 6 in the State List of the Seventh Schedule. Statement 2 is correct; the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its rules regulate allopathic drugs as well as drugs belonging to the Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathic systems. Statement 3 is correct; the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, aims to register and regulate all clinical establishments, including those practicing alternative systems of medicine, to prescribe minimum standards of facilities and services.
2. In the context of the recent surge in kidney failure cases linked to unregulated medicines and quackery, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The term 'quackery' generally refers to the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices. 2. The National Health Policy 2017 emphasizes the need for strengthening regulatory frameworks for healthcare providers and medical products. 3. Under Article 21 of the Constitution, the right to health is explicitly guaranteed as a fundamental right. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. Quackery involves the dishonest practice of medicine or the promotion of unproven or fraudulent medical practices. Statement 2 is correct. The National Health Policy 2017 indeed stresses the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks for all healthcare providers, including those practicing alternative systems, and for medical products. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Supreme Court has interpreted the 'Right to Life' under Article 21 to implicitly include the 'Right to Health', it is not explicitly guaranteed as a fundamental right in the text of the Constitution.
3. With reference to the regulation of traditional and alternative medicine systems in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Ministry of AYUSH is responsible for the development, promotion, and regulation of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems of medicine. 2. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has no regulatory oversight over Ayurvedic or Unani drugs. 3. The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH, responsible for developing pharmacopoeial standards. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Ministry of AYUSH was formed to ensure the optimal development and propagation of AYUSH systems of healthcare. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the primary regulatory authority for AYUSH drugs lies with the respective State Licensing Authorities and specific boards/councils under the Ministry of AYUSH, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which CDSCO helps enforce, also applies to AYUSH drugs regarding aspects like manufacturing standards, quality, and safety. CDSCO, through its various divisions, does have a role in ensuring quality and safety standards for all drugs, including AYUSH products, especially in cases of adverse events or quality concerns. Statement 3 is correct. PCIM&H is indeed an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, tasked with developing pharmacopoeial standards for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy systems.
Source Articles
Could unregulated use of alternative medicines be causing kidney disease in Telangana? - The Hindu
A hospital is treating over 300 kidney stone patients a day; increasing trend among school children - The Hindu
Study finds increase in deaths due to kidney problems highest following tropical cyclones - The Hindu
Study projects kidney cancer cases could double in next 25 years globally - The Hindu
Global study estimates India had second highest chronic kidney disease cases in 2023 - The Hindu