Guwahati,October 17:

Thousands of poor kidney patients in Assam are facing a serious crisis after dialysis services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme were stopped at private hospitals. The decision has raised concerns among financially weaker patients who depend on the scheme to receive regular and life-saving treatment.

Many patients visit private nursing homes for dialysis under the Ayushman card scheme. However, with hospitals no longer accepting the cards for this service, patients are struggling to continue their treatment. Dialysis at a private hospital can cost between ₹4,500 and ₹5,000 per session, making it difficult for poor families to afford regular care.

According to the information provided by the Health Department, a decision to discontinue dialysis services at listed private hospitals had been taken earlier, and formal instructions had also been issued. However, considering the difficulties faced by patients, the deadline for stopping the services was extended several times. Finally, the services were discontinued from October 15.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 263 types of medical services are reportedly available. However, the discontinuation of four dialysis-related services has created difficulties for patients who depend on their Ayushman cards to pay for treatment.

The Health Department has stated that dialysis facilities are available at medical college hospitals and district civil hospitals across the state. However, patients have raised concerns about whether these government facilities can meet the needs of everyone. In many cases, the high number of patients makes it difficult to receive treatment on time.

For patients suffering from reduced kidney function, dialysis is not merely a routine medical procedure; it is a life-saving treatment. Depending on their medical condition, many patients require dialysis two or three times a week. Paying thousands of rupees for every session at a private hospital is a major financial burden for economically weaker families.

Questions have also been raised about whether all patients will be able to access dialysis services on time at government hospitals. Patients from distant areas and those who are already struggling financially could face even greater difficulties.

The suspension of dialysis services under the Ayushman card scheme at private hospitals has caused serious concern among poor kidney patients. Missing regular dialysis can lead to a deterioration in health and may even put patients' lives at risk.

In view of the situation, there are growing concerns that the government needs to reconsider the decision and take appropriate steps to ensure that financially disadvantaged kidney patients can continue receiving timely and affordable treatment.