Guwahati, November 28 (MExN): The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil), the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation and the Nagaland Government has signed a tripartite agreement to install 11 haemodialysis machines under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) in the state.
The initiative was formalised in Guwahati on November 25.
A press release the National Health Mission Nagaland noted that 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 a week.
Nationwide, the demand for haemodialysis machines far exceeds the supply, with just 35,000 machines available against a requirement of over 200,000, it said.
For rural populations, the high cost of haemodialysis (Rs 2.4 lakh annually), combined with the added burden of travel and accommodation expenses, makes access to this life-saving treatment a significant challenge, it added.
The healthcare situation in Nagaland is even more critical, with many districts lacking adequate haemodialysis facilities, while existing centres face overwhelming demand, the NHM release noted, adding that the challenging terrain further complicates access to urban medical centres for rural populace.
Accordingly, the initiative aimed at reduce patient drop-offs caused by logistical challenges, lower mortality rates, and create employment opportunities in healthcare, it noted would directly benefit patients in districts such as Zunheboto, Phek, and Mon.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director, NHM, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, who said that by collaborating on this initiative, Fairfax and Indian Oil are not only investing in healthcare infrastructure but also in the well-being of the citizens.
“This contribution will resonate throughout the states, providing much-needed resources to combat the rising tide of kidney ailments,” she said, underscoring that the machines will have a transformative impact and significantly reduce the financial and emotional burden on families who currently have to travel great distances for treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, OIL Chief General Manager (HRD & ER), Udit Jain said that the partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in tackling critical healthcare issues. “By decentralising haemodialysis services, we are committed to bringing life-saving care to underserved communities across the region,” he said.
The initiative is a testament to OIL’s dedication to delivering equitable healthcare services, added Rajesh Nambiar, Executive Director & State Head, Indian Oil – Assam Oil Division,
Vishal Suri, Trustee of Fairfax India Charitable Foundation, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to OIL for contributing the machines and expressed hope that the initiative would help the local communities in Nagaland, where there were no viable options for this life-saving service until now.
The Fairfax Foundation has been instrumental in installation of 21 previous haemodialysis machines across Nagaland.
Presently, the DoF& HW provides dialysis services in the district hospitals of Kohima (NHAK), Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Tuensang only.
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