Punjab govt to launch Rs8bn dialysis scheme for kidney patients

LAHORE: The Punjab government is set to launch the largest ever Rs8 billion dialysis programme designed to provide critical financial support to dialysis patients across the province.

According to the reliable sources, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has principally approved the “Chief Minister’s Dialysis Programme”, for which the Specialised Healthcare Department will seek allocation of Rs8 billion in financial year 2024-25, aimed at addressing the growing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), offers a much-needed lifeline to thousands of individuals who face not only the physical toll of the disease but also the overwhelming financial burden of life-saving dialysis treatment.

Kidney-related diseases rank as the 12th leading cause of death in Pakistan, with over 22 million people affected by kidney disease nationwide, and more than 30,000 individuals undergoing dialysis in Punjab each year. The financial strain on patients is immense. For many, the high costs associated with regular dialysis sessions push them to the brink of financial ruin.

Recognizing this, the Chief Minister’s Dialysis Program will offer up to Rs1,000,000 annually per patient, covering the full cost of dialysis, consultations, medications, and related medical services. This initiative, which is available to all permanent residents of Punjab, verified through Nadra (National Database and Registration Authority) records.

This means that millions of people across the province, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can access the treatment they need, free of charge, ensures that those in need can access these essential treatments without worrying about their financial stability, according to the sources. By partnering with a network of public and private hospitals that meet stringent quality standards, the program not only improves access to treatment but also guarantees a high standard of care. Only hospitals licensed by the Punjab Healthcare Commission will be eligible to participate, ensuring that patients are treated in facilities that adhere to the highest medical standards. The program also includes a robust monitoring system to ensure transparency and accountability, with dedicated staff at each participating hospital to guide patients and ensure smooth service delivery.

The program places particular emphasis on helping the most vulnerable—those who, despite needing dialysis to survive, are unable to afford the treatment. Chronic kidney disease often requires frequent dialysis sessions, sometimes as many as two to three times a week, making the financial burden unsustainable for many families.

By eliminating this financial barrier, the Chief Minister’s Dialysis Program gives patients the peace of mind to focus on their health rather than the crippling cost of care. In addition to providing immediate relief, the program is also poised to strengthen Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure. By working with both public and private providers, it helps ensure that best practices in dialysis care are adopted across the province. The careful selection of hospitals based on quality standards also builds the capacity of healthcare facilities to effectively treat kidney disease, contributing to long-term improvements in healthcare services. While talking to the Jang and The News, the Secretary Specialised Healthcare Punjab Azmat Mehmood said that this initiative is not just a policy shift; it is a reflection of the provincial government’s broader commitment to equitable healthcare for all residents.

Azmat Mehmood was of the views the Chief Minister’s Dialysis Program aligns with efforts to reduce healthcare disparities, especially between urban and rural areas, and aims to set a new benchmark for accessible, high-quality public health programs.

The Secretary Specialised Healthcare said the program rolls out across Punjab, it promises to be a beacon of hope for those struggling with the devastating effects of kidney disease, ensuring that no one is forced to choose between life-saving treatment and financial survival.