Having organised awareness walks at different hospitals to mark International Kidney Day, medics emphasised on the need to avoid unhygienic food, unnecessary use of medicines and drinking unsafe water.Mayo Hospital Nephrology Department Head Professor Muhammad Anees told The Express Tribune that more than 25 million people suffer from kidney diseases in Pakistan. He added there is an urgent need for awareness campaign to prevent such ailments.He further encouraged preventive behaviour and systematic screening of patients with diabetes and hypertension. He said this would educate people about the key role of detection and reducing associated risks.He added Mayo hospital was also conducting a symposium to raise awareness over kidney diseases by holding a free screening camp at King Edward medical University (KEMU). There will also be a free screening camp in the OPD department from 9am to 1pm.Published in The Express Tribune, March 9, 2017.