Gujarat Nephrology Association to Suspend dialysis Services in Protest of Government Policies

Ahmedabad : The Gujarat Nephrology Association (GNA) has declared a bold stance against what they perceive as unjust policies by the Gujarat Government and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY). In a move aimed at raising awareness and pushing for policy reform, the GNA has announced a three-day suspension of hemodialysis services in trust, corporate, private hospitals, and clinics under the Mukhyamantri Amrutyam (MA) Yojana, beginning on August 14.

The decision comes as nephrologists affiliated with the GNA express their dissatisfaction with the current state of dialysis services and the reimbursement rates provided by the government. Under the PMJAY scheme, the cost of dialysis, amounting to Rs. 2,300, has been disbursed to hospitals, including a Rs. 300 transportation allowance for patients, for the past eight years. However, the GNA claims that the increased costs of dialysis filters have not been adequately addressed.

Approximately two years ago, the cost of a single-use dialysis filter experienced a notable surge of Rs. 400 per session, prompting requests to the government for an adjustment in the reimbursement rate. However, the recent turn of events has further fueled the GNA’s discontent. In a surprising move, the cost of dialysis was actually reduced instead of increased, despite the overall increase in treatment costs under the Mukhyamantri Amrutyam Yojana in July 2023.

Nephrologists affiliated with GNA have pointed out the apparent discrepancies in the reimbursement amounts provided by the Gujarat Government under the PMJAY scheme, particularly in contrast to other states. According to the doctors, the PMJAY dialysis rates in states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh stand at Rs. 2100, highlighting a stark contrast to the situation in Gujarat.

The National Health Authority’s (NHA) guidelines for PMJAY have stipulated a dialysis charge of Rs. 2200, which includes Rs. 1500 along with Rs. 700 for EPO injections. Notably, these guidelines do not account for the commuting expense of Rs. 300, and the dialyzer (filter) is reused. The GNA has questioned the disparities within the state of Gujarat itself, prompting discussions about uniformity and equity in healthcare services.