Collaboration to bring quality healthcare closer to people in state
Shillong, Nov 28: The state will be receiving six haemodialysis machines under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) as part of a groundbreaking collaboration to enhance healthcare accessibility in North East India.
The state govt has joined hands with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) and Fairfax India Charitable Foundation which was formalized through a tripartite agreement signed in Guwahati.
This initiative is set to directly benefit patients in districts such as East Garo Hills & Ri Bhoi. It aims to reduce patient drop-offs caused by logistical challenges, lower mortality rates, and create employment opportunities in healthcare within these regions.
Many districts in the state lack adequate haemodialysis facilities, while existing centres face overwhelming demand in addition to the state’s challenging terrain further complicates access to urban medical centers, leaving rural patients and their families burdened both financially and logistically.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Udit Jain, Chief General Manager (HRD & ER), Indian Oil, stated, “This partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in tackling critical healthcare issues. By decentralizing haemodialysis services, we are committed to bringing life-saving care to underserved communities across the region.”
Adding to this, Hitajit Bhattacharyya, Chief General Manager (Human Resource), Guwahati Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, “Our goal is to bridge the healthcare gap in the North East. This initiative is a testament to Indian Oil’s dedication to delivering equitable healthcare services, even in the remotest areas.”. Indian Oil’s contribution of 6 haemodialysis machines will strengthen the efforts of bringing essential dialysis services closer to underserved communities and significantly improving health outcomes. This will help the local communities in Meghalaya, that had no viable options for this life saving service until now”
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a pressing public health issue in India, affecting an estimated 1.3 million patients who require haemodialysis two to three times weekly. Nationwide, the demand for haemodialysis machines far exceeds the supply, with just 35,000 machines available against a requirement of over 200,000. For rural populations, the high cost of haemodialysis (₹2.4 lakh annually), combined with the added burden of travel and accommodation expenses, makes access to this life-saving treatment a significant challenge.
