VISAKHAPATNAM: After Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan exposed the unusually high incidence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, the Centre has decided to send a team comprising specialists from the Union Health Ministry and Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to investigate the root cause of the renal ailments which have been plaguing the region for more than two decades. Pawan Kalyan visited Uddanam area recently and interacted with victims even as his media team prepared a documentary on the plight of those afflicted with the ailments in the locality.
Following this, CM N Chandrababu Naidu announcd a slew of measures to help Uddanam victims.
Announcing the Central government’s decision, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Monday said the team would ascertain the reasons for the mysterious prevalence of the ailments.
“If the state government wants, the Centre will set up a special dialysis centre in the Uddaanam region which can cater to the needs of the patients,” said Nadda.
Under the Pradhana Mantri Dialysis Yojana, dialysis centres are being set up in partnership with private agencies under the PPP model wherein the government will bear the cost of dialysis procedures of victims falling under BPL category.
“At present, we have already set up 13 centres. We will consider setting up more such facilities in AP,” Nadda said.