Introduction
In India, the proportion of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients amount to 8-17% of the total population. The number of cases of kidney failure is expected to increase disproportionately in developing countries. Even about 70-80% of kidney patients who actually start dialysis, resource limitations force about two-thirds of them to withdraw and be condemned to death as per the various reports by Govt and other organizations. The issues of such patients like financial constraints, low service accessibility and prolonged dependency for survival on Dialysis are the most important issue to be addressed.
Idukki district of central Kerala in South India is inhabited by agricultural laborers, tribals and people of low socio-economic strata. Health care facilities are grossly inadequate here due to hilly terrains and bad roads. A community assessment study done by six Rotary clubs of Idukki district showed the necessity of having new Dialysis centers and the treatment by Dialysis in the existing hospitals of the area for the under privileged and economically backward people.
On the discussion of these Rotary clubs with the local hospital authorities and doctors, the Rotary Clubs decided to offer dialysis treatment to the underprivileged and economically weak patients in this area "Free of cost" by installing dialysis machines in various hospitals in the area that work on principles of service and charity.
Objectives:
1. To start a new Dialysis centre at Medical Trust hospital Nedumkandom with 6 Dialysis machines and accessories.
2. To provide training for the nurses and technicians in dialysis procedures.
3. To conduct health education programs for creating awareness among the diabetic and hypertensive patients about the renal complications and the available treatment
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