DW BUREAU / Mohali Dialysis patients and their family members gathered for a special event to mark 'World Kidney Day', organized at Fortis Hospital Mohali today. The interaction was held under the aegis of "Sahaayak", a support group meeting with patients of kidney failure undergoing dialysis. Those who have undergone kidney transplant also attended the event. The day was made special as the patients presented mementoes to doctors, thanking them for their care and support. The doctors' team was led by Dr. Amit Sharma, Consultant ? Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, and other key members of the Nephrology and Transplant Unit at the hospital. Throwing light on this year's theme of World Kidney Day, Dr. Amit Sharma said, "World Kidney Day (WKD) is celebrated every year with an aim to increase awareness of the importance of our kidneys to good health and of reducing the impact of kidney disease and its associated problems worldwide. Specifically, the 2021 campaign (Living Well with Kidney Disease) highlights the importance of increasing education and awareness on the important goals of effective symptom management and patient empowerment." He said, patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should be supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In the overall wellness programme for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of global mortality, more so in a country like India due to the presence of many risk factors like increased prevalence of diabetes, high blood pressure, poor hygiene and inadequate access to quality healthcare. (editor@dailyworld.in)