Health Min Dinesh Gundurao takes on dialysis crisis in K’taka

Team Udayavani, Dec 2, 2023, 4:56 PM IST

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao has addressed concerns about the troubled state of the dialysis system in the state, emphasizing that these issues have been persistent even before his term.

The dialysis system, previously entrusted to two agencies, witnessed a breakdown in management, with one agency left in a state of disarray.

Gundurao highlighted ongoing problems, including irregular payment of staff, pending Employee State Insurance (ESI), and Provident Fund (PF) dues. Considering the gravity of the situation, the state government is contemplating the blacklisting of the current agency. Simultaneously, a tender process for new agencies in four different categories is already underway.

Gundurao expressed the critical need for efficient management as the dialysis machines, once dysfunctional, cannot be promptly replaced.

The existing agency is under scrutiny, and a decision regarding its continuity may depend on the tender process for the new agencies.

In a proactive move, the government is also exploring the possibility of direct management, which involves the purchase and maintenance of dialysis machines. The minister reassured the dialysis staff that their welfare and job security would be a top priority during this transitional phase. Once the tender process concludes, a comprehensive decision will be made to address the persistent challenges in the state’s dialysis system.