Thailand rolls out free dialysis as kidney disease cases soar
Nationwide screening aims to catch silent illness before it worsens
Thailand’s public health ministry has launched a free dialysis campaign to tackle rising chronic kidney disease cases and promote early prevention nationwide.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced a nationwide campaign to provide free dialysis and promote early screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The campaign aims to raise awareness, expand access to treatment and encourage lifestyle changes to prevent kidney failure, a condition that affects over a million Thais and often goes undetected until it’s too late.
“Early-stage kidney disease typically shows no symptoms. By the time most people are diagnosed, they’re already facing high treatment costs and life-altering care like dialysis or transplant.”
As of 2024, Thailand recorded approximately 1.12 million people living with CKD. Of these, 500,000 were in stage 3, 120,000 in stage 4, and 75,000 had reached stage 5—end-stage kidney failure.
Dialysis and related treatments place a heavy financial burden not only on patients and families but also on the national healthcare system. To tackle this, the Ministry of Public Health is advancing a CKD care policy focused on prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation to ensure equal access to services across the country.
Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, said Thai people consume an average of 4,351 milligrammes of sodium per day—more than double the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 2,000 mg. This, combined with dehydration, overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and diclofenac, and the use of unregulated herbal remedies, increases the risk of kidney damage.
Physical inactivity and skipping regular check-ups further contribute to CKD’s rise. To combat this, the department is encouraging people to cut down on salt and processed foods, drink enough water, exercise regularly and schedule annual health screenings. High-risk groups, including those with diabetes and high blood pressure, are urged to keep their conditions well controlled.
Dr Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy director-general and a specialist in kidney disease, said the 7.2 Million Thais Know Their Kidney Risk campaign will run until 2027 in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday, according to Bangkok Post.
“Small lifestyle changes today can save your kidneys tomorrow. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier it is to manage.”
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