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P.T. Jyothi Datta

NEW DELHI, Sept. 16

IT may not grab the attention of health authorities in the way that AIDS, tuberculosis or cardiac problems do. But renal stones are one of the "commonest problems that Indians face" - thanks to a tropical climate and not-so-savoury eating habits.

"Stones are asymptomatic and it becomes imperative that people go for regular check-ups, particularly those above 40 years of age. But people do not, and the cost of neglecting a gall-bladder stone, for instance, could be cancer," points out Mr Hanish Bansal, Executive Director of R.G. Stone Urological Research Institute (RGSURI).

Further, he adds, "the number of seats for urology in medical colleges has been reduced. Not surprising then, that India has only one urologist for 10,000 patients, while the US has one for 150 patients.

"Despite this neglect, about 40 per cent of a hospital's revenue comes from urology as renal stones are among the commonest problems in India. A high-calcium diet of milk and milk products and heavy consumption of red meat, for instance, compounds a problem caused by tropical climate in this region. Research across the country also revealed that people in north India are more prone to stones and hence the region is called the stone-belt," he said.

Having been in the business of treating urological problems over 15 years and with a track record of "no surgeries," RGSURI seeks to dispel the myths around "stones," besides spreading the net of surveillance across the country.

The specialist hospital had first set up base at Mumbai (1987), followed by New Delhi (1988) and Chennai in 1995, at an investment of about Rs 50 crore each. Funded privately and through financial institutions (FIs), each centre has 30 beds and three operation theatres.

"Urology is highly dependent on technology. And treatments vary from totally non-invasive procedures like lithotripsy for single, multiple stones or recurrent kidney stones to a keyhole surgery or a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gall-bladder stones. Prostrate-related problems are treated with laser prostatectomy," he said.

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of these procedures against surgery, he points out: "Prices average between Rs 15,000 and Rs 31,000 for a lithotripsy, besides resumption of duties in 24 hours. On the other hand, open-surgery is priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 45,000 and takes about a month or two to get back to normalcy."

RGSURI is poised to spread to Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Kolkata and Jaipur and is seeking funds from FIs or through joint ventures with companies interested in healthcare. "We are open to privately placing about 25 per cent equity with a strategic investor," he said.

RGSURI is expecting to firm up the deal by the end of the year and the first project at Jaipur would be initiated. Also, the specialist outfit has earmarked about 800 out-reach camps across the country, he added.

But with prices still being steep for the average Indian, Mr Bansal points out that health insurance and a life-style that involves ample intake of fluids can help keep in check an otherwise stony problem.

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