The Health Ministry recently issued new guidelines aimed at establishing peritoneal dialysis services as part of the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme. It is a significant move, expected to benefit 2 lakh Indians suffering from end-stage kidney failure annually. The decision to incorporate peritoneal dialysis under the umbrella of this national programme was finalized considering its vast potential benefits.
Understanding Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is one of the two main types of dialysis procedures, the other being hemodialysis. Unlike hemodialysis which requires treatment at a designated dialysis center, peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home. This distinct attribute not only saves on infrastructural set-up costs, maintenance, and staffing but also lessens the pressure on healthcare systems. Moreover, it offers patients the privilege of undergoing treatment in the comfort of their homes.
Benefits of Peritoneal Dialysis
With mass-based peritoneal dialysis programs, there’s a potential to substantially decrease treatment costs. One of the critical benefits of integrating peritoneal dialysis into the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme is the advantage it provides children suffering from kidney failure due to biological and lifestyle reasons. Pediatric hemodialysis facilities are limited in India, making peritoneal dialysis a preferable alternative.
Setting up Peritoneal Dialysis Centers
The newly issued guidelines will be a comprehensive manual for states intending to establish peritoneal dialysis centers. This will ensure delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services and aid in the development of a clinically-safe and effective program.
What Does Dialysis Do?
Dialysis is a treatment procedure that mimics the functions of healthy kidneys. It becomes necessary when a person develops end-stage kidney failure. Dialysis helps in maintaining bodily balance by removing waste, salt, and excess water, preventing them from building up in the body. It also ensures safe levels of certain chemicals like potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate in your blood, and aids in controlling blood pressure.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Types of dialysis | Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis |
| Peritoneal dialysis | Can be performed at home |
| Dialysis functions | Removes waste, salt, and excess water; Maintains levels of certain chemicals; Helps control blood pressure |
| Benefits of peritoneal dialysis | Reduces infrastructural costs; Lessens demands on healthcare system; Can be used for children with kidney failure |
| PM National Dialysis Programme | Free dialysis services for the poor; Implemented under NHM in PPP model; 100% expenses for BPL group covered by government |
The PM National Dialysis Programme
The programme was announced by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 2016 under the National Health Mission (NHM) in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It aims to provide free dialysis services to the economically disadvantaged. The first phase envisaged setting up of hemodialysis centers in all districts of the country. For the Below Poverty Line (BPL) economic group, the government directly covers 100% of the expenses under NHM. For non-BPL patients, they can access treatment at district hospitals by paying the same rates as the government pays for BPL patients.
