Shillong, Nov 27: In a major step towards improving healthcare access in Northeast India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) has partnered with Fairfax India Charitable Foundation and the Meghalaya Government to provide six haemodialysis machines under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP).
The collaboration was formalized through a tripartite agreement signed in Guwahati, aiming to address the critical shortage of dialysis facilities in the region.
The help is important as Meghalaya faces an acute shortage of dialysis services, with many districts lacking adequate facilities and existing centers unable to meet the growing demand. The state’s rugged terrain further hampers access to urban medical centers, leaving rural patients burdened by logistical and financial challenges.
This initiative will particularly benefit patients in districts like East Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi, aiming to reduce patient drop-off rates due to logistical difficulties, lower mortality rates, and create local employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a severe public health challenge in India, affecting approximately 1.3 million patients who require haemodialysis two to three times a week. Despite this demand, the country has only 35,000 haemodialysis machines against a requirement of over 200,000. For rural populations, the annual cost of ₹2.4 lakh per patient, coupled with travel and accommodation expenses, makes access to treatment nearly impossible.
Speaking on the occasion, Udit Jain, Chief General Manager (HRD & ER) of Indian Oil, said, “This partnership demonstrates the transformative potential of public-private collaboration in addressing critical healthcare challenges. By decentralizing haemodialysis services, we are committed to delivering life-saving care to underserved communities across the region.”
Hitajit Bhattacharyya, Chief General Manager (Human Resource) at Indian Oil’s Guwahati Refinery, added, “Our mission is to close the healthcare gap in the Northeast. Indian Oil’s contribution of six haemodialysis machines underscores our commitment to equitable healthcare access, even in the remotest areas. This initiative will not only improve health outcomes but also bring essential services closer to communities that previously had no viable options for dialysis.”
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding healthcare infrastructure in Meghalaya, offering new hope to thousands of patients in need of critical dialysis services.
Also Read: Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education
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