Officials at Herat Regional Hospital reported a significant increase in kidney and urinary tract diseases in the province.

According to data, nearly 150 patients visit the hospital's urology department daily, some of whom require surgery or kidney transplants.

Ghulam Rabani Habibi, the head of the urology department, stated: "Initially, this department had five beds, which later increased to ten. However, since 2013, it has remained the same. Our case numbers are very high; in just one month, nearly 100 patients have undergone surgeries in this department."

Abdullah, a 70-year-old patient who underwent kidney surgery four days ago said: "I had urinary problems for a long time and waited three months for surgery. Now, after the surgery, thank God, I am relieved."

"An ultrasound revealed that my kidneys had been damaged for two years. I had pain, but I endured it,” said Another patient, Wakil Ahmad Rahmani, stated.

Patients and doctors complain about the lack of facilities in the department and the lengthy wait times for surgeries.

Doctors say many patients lose their kidneys due to lack of awareness and delays in seeking medical care.

Doctors attribute the increase in kidney diseases in Herat to low water intake, unhealthy eating habits, and consumption of soft drinks and energy drinks.

Nazir Ahmad Shakari, one of the doctors, said: "Patients often do not have a proper diet and do not consume enough fluids. Lack of awareness is a primary factor in the occurrence of kidney stones and other kidney problems."

In addition to kidney diseases, the urology department at Herat Regional Hospital treats prostate and other urinary tract issues. However, due to limited resources, patients must wait up to four months for surgery.