A Conversation with Dr. Pradip Kansagra on His Journey, Innovations, and Impact
In the vibrant city of Rajkot, Dr. Pradip Kansagra has made an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of urology and kidney care. His journey from a personal family experience with kidney disease to the
establishment of a state-of-the-art Kidney Institute is a testament to his dedication and vision. Through his tireless efforts, he has brought advanced dialysis services and kidney care to thousands of patients in the Saurashtra region,
many of whom had limited access to such facilities. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Naresh Parikh sits down with Dr. Kansagra to explore the milestones, challenges, and future aspirations that have shaped his remarkable career. Their
dialogue sheds light on the motivations behind Dr. Kansagra’s work, the innovative steps he has taken to advance kidney care, and the impact his contributions have had on the community.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: When did your journey in establishing a private hospital in Rajkot begin?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: It started in 1979 in Rajkot. I was inspired by my father, who had kidney failure. We were doing his dialysis in our hospital,
and he suggested expanding our services to help others in need.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: What motivated you to expand your services to include dialysis for patients?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: My father’s experience with kidney failure and dialysis in our hospital motivated me. He felt fortunate to have access to such facilities and suggested that I consider establishing a Kidney Institute to help others with kidney-related issues, such as dialysis and kidney stone disease.
I had a kidney stone during my second year in medical school, which influenced my decision to become a urologist. My father’s suggestion and my personal experience drove me to pursue this project.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: When did you start working on the Kidney Institute project?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: The project began in earnest after my father’s passing in 1994. We organized a free kidney diagnosis camp with Dr. Gopal Badlani from New York, which highlighted the need for better kidney care facilities in the region.
This experience further convinced me to establish the Kidney Institute in Rajkot.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: What was the name of the institute and hospital you established?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: The institute is called the Saurashtra Kidney
Research Institute, and the hospital is named BT Savani Kidney Hospital, thanks to the generous donations from Mr. BT Savani, who supported our project.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: What were the primary findings from your research on kidney stones in Saurashtra?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: Initially, we believed that hard water was the main cause of kidney stone formation, but our research showed that it’s more about the body’s internal chemistry. We conducted studies on patients’ blood,
urine, and lifestyle, and the research is still ongoing. The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, along with lifestyle diseases, are also major contributors to kidney failure in the region.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: How did you finance the dialysis services, especially for patients who couldn’t afford the full cost?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: Initially, we charged Rs.500 per dialysis, with donors providing coupons to patients. The government now supports about 70% of our patients, providing a reimbursement of Rs.2,200 per session. This support has allowed us to continue offering affordable dialysis, with about 125 sessions conducted daily.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: What is the current status of your hospital’s equipment and facilities?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: Our hospital is equipped with modern technology, comparable to what is used in the USA and Europe. We have expanded our capacity to handle the demand, and
with the government’s support, we are financially stable and able to serve all patients without delay.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: Have you made any recommendations to the government regarding preventive measures for kidney stone formation?
Dr.Pradip Kansagra: Yes, we are working on recommendations based on our ongoing research. Hard water alone is not the cause, so we are focusing on dietary and lifestyle advice to prevent stone formation. We plan to submit a white paper to the
government with our findings and suggestions.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: Tell me about your book on kidney stones and its impact.
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: My book, “Kidneys and Stones,” addresses common misconceptions about kidney stones and provides
practical advice. It was first published in Gujarati in 1985, and due to its popularity, I updated it every 10 years. Recently, I published an English edition to reach a wider audience.
Dr. Naresh Parikh: How do you plan to further improve kidney care in Gujarat?
Dr. Pradip Kansagra: We aim to continue our research, expand our services, and work closely with the government to implement preventive measures. We’re also focusing on educating the public about kidney health to
reduce the incidence of kidney diseases in the region.
Dr. Pradip Kansagra is a retired renowned Urologist from Rajkot now residing in the USA. Dr. Kansagra’s life revolves around community and philanthropic endeavors.
Dr. Kansagra Founded Joy Academy in 2020. Joy academy has organized over 75 health & social awareness complimentary webinars.
In USA, he also serves as the Director of
@ Joy of Helping,
@ American Prostate Cancer Society and
@ Doctor’s Goodwill foundation USA.
He established urology department and served as Honorary Urologist in Civil Hospital in Rajkot (1981 to 1986).
He visualised need for Kidney institute in Saurashtra and served as founder managing trustee and Chairman for 15 years.
He accomplished this worthy project with the assistance of an untiring, hard working and dedicated like-minded trustees team.
It is a premier tertiary care, not-for-profit kidney institute, in the field of Urology and Nephrology established in a 3-acre land and 175,000 sq ft construction.
It serves about 48,000 patients in outdoor, 36,000 dialysis and 6,000 surgeries yearly.
He has organized and attended more than 400 medical camps of general and Urology for poor patients.
Awards Received:
He was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award of Association of Indian American Doctors (AAPI) USA in New York in 2011 for his community services and exceptional leadership.
Urological society of India West Zone recognized his services and awarded him the Prestigious Urological Service Gold Medal in 2016.
He received honor of Salute India Award in 2016.
Rajkot Ratna Award 2022 for his social services in health care.
Pride of India Award in 2023.
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 by Surgeons Association of Rajkot.
Business Arjun Award by Adhia Academy in 2024.
Best Hospital Award by Six Sigma Healthcare.
In order to educate people for kidney diseases he conducts Kidney Awareness Programs and has published 4 Kidney Books in 1986, 1996, 2003 and 2011 and also video cassette and DVD.
He strongly believes Service to man is Service to God.
He earned the Yoga Instructor and Yoga Therapist qualifications from renowned Swami Vivekananda Yoga University SVYASA, Banglore India.
– Dr. Naresh Parikh
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