Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a pressing health concern in developing countries, including India, is marred by high morbidity and mortality, exacerbated by the significant financial burden it imposes. A recent cross-sectional study conducted at a public tertiary care hospital sheds light on the direct costs associated with treating CKD at an outpatient setting.

The study, encompassing data from 150 CKD-diagnosed patients, aimed to discern the economic implications of CKD treatment, particularly in the context of outpatient care in a public tertiary care hospital. Unaffordability, often stemming from the exorbitant costs of medication and hemodialysis, emerges as a critical barrier to successful CKD management.

Treatment Costs: The average age of patients included in the study was 55.7 ± 10.1 years. The study revealed that the annual average costs of CKD treatment were Rs 25,836 (US $386) for patients solely on medication and Rs 2,13,144 (US $3181) for patients undergoing hemodialysis in addition to medication.

Prescription Insights: Patients, on average, received 6.5 ± 1.7 drugs per prescription. The top five prescribed medications included calcium tablets, vitamin D sachets, iron supplements, torsemide, and amlodipine.

Influencing Factors: The direct cost of treatment was found to be significantly higher for patients undergoing hemodialysis, those receiving support from their employers, individuals with a smoking habit, patients with comorbidities, and those in the end-stage renal disease category.

Determinants of Costs: Reimbursement policies, the patient's dialysis status, habits, and comorbidities were identified as significant factors influencing the direct cost of CKD treatment.

The study underscores the formidable economic challenges associated with CKD treatment, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to alleviate financial burdens on patients. The identification of influencing factors provides a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare providers to tailor strategies for more accessible and affordable CKD care.

As CKD continues to impose a growing burden on healthcare systems, understanding the economic landscape becomes paramount. The insights garnered from this study contribute valuable data for future cost-analysis studies and inform strategies to enhance the affordability and effectiveness of CKD treatment in India.