THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s Dialysis Support Programme has been praised for providing much-needed financial assistance to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. With CKD rising worldwide, many patients struggle to afford or access the appropriate medical care needed to treat this debilitating condition.

CKD is a condition where the kidneys cannot filter the blood to remove harmful waste products and excess fluids that are turned into urine to be passed out of the body. Dialysis treatment becomes an alternative procedure to remove waste products and extra fluids from the blood when the kidneys stop working correctly. It is a process that involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

Earlier this year, the Dialysis Support Programme provided over $50 million to 84 patients, with plans to use the budgeted $863 million to support those needing critical medical treatment. The programme is a lifeline for patients who otherwise could not afford the costly Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) required for dialysis treatment. In the United States, one hemodialysis treatment can cost upwards of US$500, making it unaffordable for many patients.

The Ministry of Health has also been commended for its proactive approach, collaborating with private sector agencies to expand dialysis services to regions previously lacking adequate medical care.

Patients previously forced to travel to the capital city for treatment can now access dialysis services in Regions Two, Three, Four, and 10, saving time and money for those in need.
One patient spoke for many beneficiaries, stating that they “would have already been in [their] box without the Dialysis Support Programme.”

CKD is a medical and economic problem, with RRT consuming costly resources such as equipment and personnel. With awareness being the key to prevention, the programme reminds all to take preventative measures such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and constant medical check-ups.

This week, relief was also provided to 105 hemodialysis patients. These patients received cheques valued at $600,000 each to help subsidise their treatment expenses. Of the beneficiaries, 51 are new patients.

The first payout for this year was executed in February, benefitting 84 patients, while the second was done in April, benefitting 62 persons. The administration has allocated $863 million in Budget 2023 to support those needing medical treatment.

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, appealed to the general public to get registered if they require dialysis support. The process is straightforward, but verification and assessment of the patient’s condition at the Nephrology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are necessary.

Dialysis patient Antonio Lall, 42, expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance, stating that he has been on dialysis for two years, and it is not easy, especially when the treatment is so expensive.

Another dialysis patient, Jane Chichester, 70, who is a second-time beneficiary, applauded the government’s kind gesture. Meanwhile, Eaiseaiedayal Ramsarak, a 57-year-old of Berbice, emphasized the need for such help, as the cost of taking dialysis is very expensive, and she does not have a partner to help support her financially. The initiative will ease the burden on her only daughter and other relatives.

Persons requiring support for dialysis treatment can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department at 225-0113 for more information on how they can receive financial assistance. The Government’s initiative is a much-needed relief for hemodialysis patients who require financial support to manage their medical condition.

The Dialysis Support Programme is a critical lifeline for patients suffering from CKD.

The government’s commitment to providing financial assistance and expanding dialysis services is commendable and serves as a model for other countries to follow. As we continue to raise awareness about CKD, we must remain vigilant and take preventative measures to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.