As the number of people who have to undergo dialysis treatment due to kidney failure has been increasing in Maldives, the number of youths who have been suffering from it have been increasing as well. This concern has led Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to bring a matter of importance to the public.

According to a video shared by IGMH on social media, Dr. Aminath Rausha stated that the use of powerful medication in finding relief for temporary pain may damage the kidney.

Rausha said that Maldivians tend to take powerful pain medication when experiencing minor pain. These include regular fever, headaches, with powerful medication such as diclofenac being used. She also said that such medications tend to reduce the circulation of blood throughout the kidney if it is used regularly.

"We as Maldivians tend to use powerful pain medication when experiencing minor pains. The common fever and headache sees the use of powerful medication such as diclofenac. The use of such medications on a regular basis will reduce the circulation of blood throughout the kidney."

And so, she urged those who have diabetes, increased blood pressure and those who have previously had kidney issues to exercise caution when using such medications. She also said that the regular use of such medication without a doctor's recommendation may cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, and to exercise caution as well.

"Using such medication without a doctor's recommendation may completely destroy the kidneys. Let us not destroy our kidneys just to find relief from temporary pain."

Even though doctors and those working in the medical industry have seen a concerning increase in kidney disease in Maldives, there are no official statistics available.

There are many individuals in Maldives who suffer from kidney failure and are awaiting transplants.