Kerala Sets a National Model in Dialysis Care with 64,000 Free Sessions a Month
Kerala has emerged as a major relief hub for kidney patients, with the Health Department’s extensive initiatives in renal care yielding significant results. Dialysis and kidney transplant services, often unaffordable for the common man, are now widely available in government hospitals. At present, more than 64,000 dialysis sessions are being conducted free of cost every month in the government sector. In addition to medical colleges, dialysis units have been established in 112 government hospitals, enabling patients to access treatment closer to their homes. A total of 1,287 dialysis machines are currently functioning across various centres.
In private hospitals, a single dialysis session costs between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000. Patients requiring around 12 sessions a month would need to spend at least ₹18,000, placing a heavy financial burden on families. It is in this context that the free and affordable dialysis services provided by government hospitals have become a major support system for the public. Under the ‘Ardram’ mission, these specialised services are being offered from taluk-level hospitals upwards, following strict quality norms, with the support of well-trained doctors, nurses, technicians, and modern infrastructure.
To further improve access to treatment, mobile dialysis units have been introduced for patients in remote areas. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with local self-government institutions and voluntary organisations. Additionally, the peritoneal dialysis programme, which allows patients to undergo dialysis at home without visiting hospitals, has been extended to all districts, with the entire cost borne by the government.
Free dialysis services in both government and private hospitals are also ensured through the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Yojana (KASP) and the Karunya Benevolent Fund. Essential erythropoietin injections are being provided free of cost through Arogya Kerala’s Palliative Care services. During the current financial year, dialysis units will be established in 13 more hospitals that currently lack such facilities. With this expansion, Kerala will become the first state in India to ensure dialysis facilities in all taluk hospitals across the state.
