Who is a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related conditions and disorders. Nephrology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the kidneys, covering aspects of kidney diseases, kidney transplantation, dialysis, hypertension (high blood pressure), and electrolyte disorders. Nephrologists undergo extensive training, typically completing medical school followed by residency training in internal medicine and fellowship training in nephrology.
Nephrologists collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, urologists, endocrinologists, dietitians, and nephrology nurses, to provide comprehensive and integrated care for patients with kidney-related conditions.
Why You Should Consider India for Nephrology Treatment?
India offers several compelling reasons for international patients seeking specialized nephrology treatment:
Expertise of Nephrologists: Indian hospitals are home to highly qualified nephrologists who have received training at prestigious medical institutions globally. These specialists possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex kidney disorders using advanced diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatments, and innovative treatment approaches.
Advanced Medical Facilities: Leading nephrology centers in India are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, modern infrastructure, and specialized nephrology units that adhere to international standards. They feature advanced dialysis units with hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis facilities, continuous renal replacement treatment (CRRT), kidney transplant units, and dedicated nephrology intensive care units (ICUs).
Cost-Effective Treatment: Nephrology treatment in India is significantly more affordable compared to Western countries such as the USA, UK, or Australia. This includes consultation fees, diagnostic tests (such as kidney biopsy and imaging studies), medications, dialysis sessions (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), kidney transplantation, hospitalization, and post-operative care, making it a cost-effective option for international patients seeking high-quality nephrology care.
Comprehensive Range of Services: Indian healthcare providers offer a comprehensive range of nephrology services, including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases, management of hypertension and electrolyte disorders, kidney stone treatment, renal replacement treatments (dialysis), and kidney transplantation. Patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific nephrological health needs, supported by multidisciplinary teams of specialists.
High Success Rates: Indian nephrologists have a proven track record of achieving high success rates in managing kidney diseases, providing dialysis, and performing kidney transplantations. They follow stringent quality protocols and international guidelines to ensure optimal patient outcomes, safety, and long-term kidney function preservation.
In conclusion, India combines expertise in nephrology, advanced medical infrastructure, affordability, and cultural richness to provide an excellent choice for international patients seeking specialized nephrology treatment abroad. Choosing India ensures access to world-class nephrology care delivered with precision, compassion, and a commitment to improving kidney health and quality of life.
Best Nephrologists (Kidney Specialists) in India
Following is a list of the most reputed & experienced Nephrologists in India.
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- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 25 years’ experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Dinesh Khullar with an experience of over 25 years as a renal transplant physician, has been associated with over 5000 successful kidney transplants in his career. Out of these, more than 1200 were performed at Max Hospital, Saket. This includes among the most challenging transplants, such as ABO-incompatible, transplantations in highly sensitized recipients, and high-risk transplants associated with significant comorbidities.
- In addition to this, Dr. Dinesh Khullar is credited for setting up an online hemodiafiltration unit for the first time in North India for advanced and state-of-the-art dialysis.
- Nephrologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Known as one of the best nephrologists in the NCR region, Dr. Manish Jain holds a special interest in renal transplants as well as clinical nephrology.
- His compassionate patient care and lifestyle advocacy have helped patients recover from various disorders.
- Throughout his career, Dr. Manish Jain has published several papers in India and is also a member of several medical associations.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 45 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Ashok Sarin is a specialist in Kidney Diseases, Dialysis, and Transplantation. He is currently working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi.
- After receiving his education at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Dr. Ashok Sarin proceeded to Northern Ireland U.K. where he received training under Dr. Mary Mcgeown at the prestigious Belfast City and Royal Victoria Hospital Queens University of Belfast U.K. He is known to receive World Class Training in treating all types of Kidney Diseases, Hemodialysis, CAPD, and Live and Cadaver Kidney Transplantation.
- He is a member of several associations such as the Indian Society of Nephrology, Delhi Nephrology Society, North Zone Society of India, as well as the Association of Physicians of India. He is also the President of the Delhi Nephrology Society.
- Nephrologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 18 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sidharth Kumar Sethi is one of the well-known nephrologists in the NCR region and has been actively involved in the care of children with all kinds of complex renal disorders, including nephrotic syndrome, tubular disorders, urinary tract infections, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and renal transplantation.
- Dr. Sidharth Kumar Sethi has been a part of an 8-member writing committee for the guidelines of Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome and an Expert committee involved in the formulation of guidelines for Pediatric Renal Disorders including Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome and urinary tract infections.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sunil Prakash is one of the best nephrologists in Delhi. Services offered by him are the diagnosis and treatment of urinary infections, nephritis, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and cystic kidney diseases stand out.
- He also guides, indicate,s and monitors the treatment of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.
- The key specialties of Dr. Sunil Prakash are Dialysis and Renal Failure. Today, he is considered one of the top nephrologists in Delhi for kidney transplants.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. D K Agarwal is a well-known nephrologist, who is currently associated with Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, as a Senior Consultant in Nephrology. For over 20 years, he has been involved in nephrology, with indoor as well as outdoor patients.
- He specializes in Renal Transplant, hemodialysis, CAPD, and all kidney problems and diseases along with critical kidney patients with emergency management.
- Dr. Agarwal also specializes in handling kidney patients due to Diabetes and Hypertension. He has also published 59 papers national and international.
- Dr. Agarwal is also a life member of several renowned societies such as the Association of Physicians of India; Indian Society of Electrocardiology; Indian Society of Nephrology; Indian Society of Organ Transplantation, Hyderabad Transplant forum, and Indian Association of Clinical Medicine 1994.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rahul Grover is known to be one of the finest renal doctors and nephrologists in New Delhi. He offers excellent care to all his patients.
- He holds an experience of several years and has extensive knowledge in the field of medicine.
- He is also an esteemed member of the Indian Society of Nephrology (ISN), and the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation (ISOT), and this further adds to his credibility.
- Nephrologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 21 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Salil Jain is considered one of the best nephrologists in Gurugram and the Delhi region.
- He is the director of the Department of Nephrology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, and has more than 21 years of experience.
- Dr. Salil Jain is an exceptional clinician having several national and international publications to his credit.
- Nephrologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Shyam B Bansal is Associate Director in Medanta’s Institute of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant.
- He is also known for establishing the department of Nephrology at Medical College Gwalior in 2006.
- Apart from that, Dr. Bansal has published extensively in the field of kidney transplantation and also has the honor of publishing the first case report of kidney transplantation in an HIV-positive patient in India.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Colonel Akhil Mishra is currently working as Sr. Consultant, Nephrology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. He is known for establishing the Department of Nephrology and Transplant at Apollo Hospital in 1995. He has more than 35 years of experience in this field.
- Prior to this he was working in the Army Medical Corps for 28 years (1965-1993), where he held the position of Senior Advisor in Medicine and Nephrology.
- Dr. Akhil Mishra is also known for conducting the First Kidney Transplant of the Indian Armed Forces at Army Hospital, Delhi in 1991.
- Dr. Mishra took pre mature retirement at the rank of Colonel in the year 1993. Subsequently, he established the Department of Nephrology in Escorts Research & Referral Hospital.
- He had been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India in 1980. He started the first kidney transplant in Army and Apollo Hospital, Delhi.
- Throughout his career, Dr. Akhil Mishra has been awarded Star Performer Consultant three times, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Jan 2013, Sept 2014 & Jan 2015.
- Dr. Mishra has also been honored in 2013, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his dedicated work in the field of Kidney transplantation.
- He was also felicitated by the Indian Society of Nephrology (North Zone) with the Life Time achievement Award in Nephrology on 23rd Jan.2015 for his huge contribution to the growth of Nephrology.
- Nephrologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 22 years’ experience
- Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Saurabh Pokhriyal is currently associated with Manipal Hospitals in Dwarka, Delhi. Known for his skill in Nephrology and Renal Transplant Medicine, Dr. Saurabh Pokhriyal has a distinct fascination with complex cases of nephrology as well as in performing ABO-contrary transplants.
- He has worked additionally for the Primary treatment of Glomerular Diseases. Dr. Pokhriyal has also authored several articles that have been distributed in different national as well as international chapters and books.
How to Find and Choose the Best Nephrologists in India
If you are diagnosed with kidney disease or if your kidney function is rapidly deteriorating, your doctor may recommend you to a nephrologist.
But, what does a nephrologist do? You may ask. Before you delve into nephrology, it is important to know the basics of kidney function. So let’s understand.
You’ve got two kidneys, one on either side of your spine. Now, these remarkable organs are typically situated beneath your ribcage and they carry out several vital tasks, such as:
- eliminating extra fluid and waste from the blood
- maintaining a balance of electrolytes in your body
- producing hormones with functions such as blood pressure regulation, etc.
When you have a kidney disorder, visiting a nephrologist will help you feel better and maintain the health of your kidneys for a long time. Your nephrologist will help you make important decisions about your health and treatment of kidney diseases.
Now, the most important part: understanding nephrology and the role of nephrologists.
Nephrology is a branch or specialty of internal medicine that specializes in the treatment of kidney diseases.
A doctor who focuses on treating kidney diseases is known as a nephrologist (also known as a kidney doctor or kidney specialist). Nephrologists not only have a thorough understanding of diseases that affect the kidneys in particular, but they also have a deep understanding of how kidney disease or dysfunction can impact various other parts of the body.
However, nephrology is often confused with urology. This is because, both nephrology and urology deal with the urinary system, including the kidneys, however, they both have distinct areas of focus.
Here’s a breakdown to help you understand better:
Urologists are experts who treat problems involving the bladder, penis, testicles, urinary tract, and male reproductive system.
On the other hand, nephrologists are experts in treating problems involving only the kidneys.
Even though nephrologists and urologists may often sound similar, each of these medical doctors is specialized in separate disciplines. Thus, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between the two if you require one of these doctors. This will further help you to choose the type of doctor that best suits your needs.
However, at times it can be a bit difficult to decide between a urologist and a nephrologist, given that the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract are connected.
In that case, what should you do? Remember that you should only see a nephrologist if you are experiencing any problems with your kidneys or kidney function. Nephrologists have the skills, qualifications, and experience required to diagnose, treat, and prevent both simple and complicated kidney diseases.
Moreover, many problems with the bladder or urinary tract are again caused by kidney problems. This makes a nephrologist the ideal medical doctor to handle your kidney-related problems. However, if you require the services of both a nephrologist and a urologist, then in that case your nephrologist will collaborate with the urologist to design the best treatment for you.
Throughout your treatment, you will be assisted by both the nephrologist and urologist. They will advise you and support you in making wise decisions.
Now that you understand the role of nephrologists, the next step is finding the right one for your specific needs.
Finding a nephrologist may be easy, but the hardest part is narrowing down your selections to the best one.
The success or failure of your treatment is largely determined by the nephrologist you select. Even though India is home to numerous experienced and successful nephrologists, everyone finds it difficult to choose the best nephrologist in the country. Thus, to help you navigate through this process, we’ve selected some of the best Nephrologists in India on our featured list.
Moreover, we’ve also covered some key factors in this article that you can consider while selecting the best nephrologist for you. Let’s take a look at these key factors one by one.
Key Factors to Be Considered in Choosing the Best Nephrologists in India
Years of Experience
When determining the best nephrologists in India, we gave the doctor’s years of experience conducting a specific type of treatment the utmost importance. Along with that, we’ve also taken into consideration how many patients the doctors have treated with a specific type of kidney disease.
Although experience and expertise are not always related, it is evident that doctors with at least 10 years of experience are much more competent than doctors with less experience. That’s why we’ve chosen some experienced nephrologists in India who have been practicing for a long time.
Needless to say, top nephrologists continue to expand their expertise in line with the on-going development of the medical field. They are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and keeping up with new medical interventions and advancements.
Hence, we’ve ensured that the selected doctors on the list are well acquainted with the most up-to-date approaches and are skilled in treating specific types of kidney disorders. Thus, you can be assured that you will receive a high-quality course of care as the doctors are updated on the latest treatments.
Furthermore, since our website caters primarily to international patients who travel abroad for critical cases, we made it a priority to include some of the best nephrologists in India.
Academic Qualifications
The academic qualifications of these doctors are carefully considered as well when selecting the best nephrologists in India. The credentials of the nephrologists, including their training, certification, and validation to treat a particular type of kidney disease, are also taken into consideration. These nephrologists may work on research projects, participate in professional organizations or conferences, or engage in other activities that require them to be open to learning new things.
While an MBBS is necessary to practice medicine, most nephrologists in India have also finished national and international fellowships. Their board certification and fellowship training have further helped them to enhance the clinical knowledge and abilities needed for the specialty.
Reputation of the Graduating University of the Doctors
The reputation of the university from which the doctors received their education was also taken into account when selecting the best nephrologists in India. Thus, the graduates of prestigious medical schools are represented on the list.
Reputation of the Practicing Hospital
Likewise, when looking for the best nephrologists in India, it is important to keep in mind the reputation of the hospital where they are currently practicing. In addition to the best equipment and facilities, a good doctor requires a supportive environment to work well. Hence, top nephrologists do everything possible to keep their patients safe. But this can only be achieved by using cutting-edge medical technology, using minimally invasive techniques, and abiding by stringent surgical restrictions when carrying out the treatment. Thus, for a seamless medical experience and patient satisfaction, the OPD area, the operating room, the surgical equipment, the recovery room, and every other section of the hospital must be excellent. Keeping these factors in mind, we only select the top nephrologists who work in hospitals with world-class facilities and who have passed the scrutiny of agencies like NABH and JCI.
Diversified Experience of Doctors
Although it is taken into consideration, the diversity of experience among nephrologists is not a key factor. In comparison to other medical facilities, government hospitals, military hospitals, trust-run hospitals, etc. are more likely to have a diversity of knowledge and skill in handling a wide range of patients. At least some of the names on the list were selected with this aspect in mind.
Patient Feedback and the Doctors' Overall Reputation
The most crucial and conclusive factor in creating a list of the best nephrologists in India has been thought to be patient feedback and the nephrologist’s general standing in the medical community. As one of the top medical assistance providers, Ginger Healthcare visits hundreds of patients in hospitals all around the nation every month. Consequently, we often receive correspondence from people undergoing kidney treatment in different hospitals. Thus, while compiling the list of the best nephrologists in India, we spoke to our staff and selected the doctors’ names based on our collective feedback throughout the years.
So whether you’re new to this specialty or you’ve already seen a nephrologist and would need a second opinion, Ginger Healthcare can assist you. With any luck, these suggestions will allow you the confidence to select the best nephrologists in India for your needs.
Lastly, we sincerely hope the list proves to be useful! Please let us know what you think of the doctors on the list if and when you receive treatment from them. We wish you all the very best!