Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has decided to commence a project this year to introduce home dialysis for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDU) patients, a Health Ministry Spokesman said. This service will include remote monitoring of the patient at home by a specialist based elsewhere.
According to the spokesman, the current cost of dialysis per patient is Rs.103,740 per month.
“The system is very effective because the patient does not need to go out and the treatment can be obtained at home via a special machine. Doctors can control the machine and examine the patient by remote control while stationed at another location.
The patient can communicate with the the machine using all three languages.The assistance of professional health staff can be obtained over 24 hours by the telephone,” the Ministry spokesman said.
“Rs.500 million has been allocated this year from the Ministry budget to buy the machines required for home dialysis. Minister Senaratne has already received Cabinet approval for the project. It is intended to launch the project this year,” he said. “The home dialysis system will help CKDU patients live longer and make them healthier and happier. It reduces the burden of traveling and waiting in a queue,” he added.