Minister of Public Health Clarifies Medical Evidence on Kratom Consumption and Kidney Failure in Adolescents

On September 19th, at the Parliament, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, addressed a question in the House of Representatives regarding the guidelines to resolve renal deterioration in adolescents caused by consumption of kratom leaves and juice.

Mr. Somsak clarified that there is currently no clear medical evidence to suggest that drinking kratom juice causes kidney failure. He explained that almost all people with kidney failure and a history of kratom use have also used drugs and other chemicals, which can cause muscle breakdown and subsequently lead to kidney and liver function failure.

Studies have shown that kratom use for an extended period can cause protein leakage into the urine, indicating abnormal kidney function, but not kidney failure. Additionally, the number of people suffering from kidney failure during adolescence has not increased recently.

Nephritis in adolescents can result from exposure to chemicals that are toxic to the liver and kidneys, such as improper use of medications like ibuprofen-based painkillers and high-dose diclofenac. Some genetic diseases can also contribute to kidney disease in adolescents.

Expansion of Dialysis Services

The Ministry of Public Health has guidelines to expand the number and distribute dialysis service centers to reduce the cost of travel for dialysis for people in or outside areas of Thailand. Mr. Somsak stated that there are currently 1,100 hemodialysis centers, both in public and private hospitals, covering 12 health zones, distributed in each province.

The plan is to increase the production of hemodialysis nurses and support the expansion of hemodialysis units in host community hospitals with a population of over 50,000 people. This will distribute services to cover all areas and create a seamless referral system, reducing the burden of expenses on people traveling for dialysis.

Project to Increase Kidney Transplantation

The Ministry of Public Health is collaborating with various universities to increase kidney transplantation, which will save a significant amount of costs. Dialysis by going to the center and peritoneal dialysis use an annual budget of 25 billion baht – 31 billion baht.

The Ministry of Public Health is about to launch a project for village volunteers (VHV) to help Thai society stay away from non-communicable diseases, which are widespread throughout the country. This project aims to prevent chronic kidney failure caused by diabetes and blood pressure, which account for 60% of cases.