The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a major research initiative to investigate the unusually high prevalence of kidney diseases in Uddanam, Srikakulam district, Health Minister for Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav announced. The three-year project, supported by a ₹6.2-crore grant, will begin shortly.
According to a press note issued on November 19, the decision follows discussions between State health officials and the ICMR, held on the instructions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Under the newly sanctioned ‘Srikakulam Kidney Research Project’, authorities aim to identify individuals at risk of developing kidney disease within the next one to two years, enabling early intervention through targeted tests.
Blood and urine samples will be collected from all residents above 18 years of age in the affected region. The study will introduce advanced biomarker-based urine testing to detect early susceptibility to kidney damage. Experts say identifying the root causes will aid long-term prevention strategies for the region.
The proposal was prepared by Dr. G. Prasad, Head of Nephrology at Andhra Medical College, under the guidance of senior nephrologist and former NTR Health University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Raviraj. Dr. Raviraj, who has previously researched the Uddanam situation, noted that newer therapies now exist that can help delay or prevent progression to dialysis or kidney transplant.
In addition to blood and urine analysis, the study will conduct RNA sequencing to determine whether the condition has any genetic links. Environmental samples — including soil, water, air, paddy, fish, and vegetables — will also be collected from the region for extensive testing. Uddanam remains a global outlier, with nearly 18% of adults showing impaired kidney function.
All biological samples will be processed at a new ICMR-supported laboratory to be established at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. The institute will provide equipment and technical personnel for the facility.
A similar research effort carried out between 2014 and 2018 by the George Institute had remained incomplete. The Minister expressed hope that the renewed project would finally help uncover the true cause of the kidney disease crisis in Uddanam.
