VIJAYAWADA: Expressing concern over increasing cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Krishna district and State government’s ‘apathy’ in dealing with the situation, CPM demanded the government to change its attitude and help the poor patients suffering from it. CKD patients spoke about their issues and how they were bereft of proper medical facilities in the public health centres at their villages during a meeting in Vijayawada on Saturday. They said they were compelled to depend on private hospitals in Vijayawada, which is proving to be a financial burden.
Speaking on the occasion, CPM state executive committee member Ch Babu Rao said around 1,284 CKD patients were identified at 143 villages of the 15 mandals in western areas of Krishna district. Of the total, 98 were undergoing dialysis with 800 under medication. Another 348 could not to buy medicines, he added. “We found 23 patients among them in dire need of dialysis, but due to their poverty they are unable avail treatment.”
He informed that 21 people suffering from CKD, from these villages, died in last four months. Though the issue was brought to the notice of the State government, no necessary measures were taken, Babu Rao added. “CPM has been agitating to draw attention towards those suffering from the kidney ailment for the last six months. Though assurances was given to address the issue by the district collector, no action was initiated.” Underscoring the need for the issue to be addressed on top priority basis, CPM demanded a comprehensive survey to identify the CKD victims.
Dialysis centres demanded
Dialysis centre at Tiruvur, Mylavaram & Nandigama.
Necessary equipment and manpower to conduct creatine blood tests at all PHCs.
Free medication to CKD victims A2,500
Financial aid for treatment in form of monthly pension
Supply of nutritious food
Ex gratia of `5 lakh to those who died of CKD
Supply of safe drinking water through tankers to the villages