Indian Oil, FICF, and Assam Govt Collaborate to Provide 25 Haemodialysis Machines, Enhancing Healthcare in NE

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KOKRAJHAR: In a groundbreaking step to enhance healthcare accessibility in Northeast India, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) has joined hands with the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation (FICF) and the Assam Government to provide 25 haemodialysis machines under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP). This collaboration was formalized through a tripartite agreement signed in Guwahati.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a pressing public health issue in India, affecting an estimated 1.3 million patients who require haemodialysis two to three times weekly. Nationwide, the demand for haemodialysis machines far exceeds the supply, with just 35,000 machines available against a requirement of over 200,000. For rural populations, the high cost of haemodialysis (Rs.2.4 lakh annually), combined with the added burden of travel and accommodation expenses, makes access to this life-saving treatment a significant challenge.

Sources from the Indian Oil, Bongaigaon Refinery (BGR) said the healthcare situation in Assam was even more critical and many districts lack adequate haemodialysis facilities, while existing centres face overwhelming demand. The state’s challenging terrain further complicates access to urban medical centres, leaving rural patients and their families burdened both financially and logistically. Sources said this initiative will directly benefit patients in districts such as Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Karimganj, Dibrugarh, Baksa, Charaideo, Chirang, Udalguri, Hojai and West Karbi Anglong. It aims to reduce patient drop-offs caused by logistical challenges, lower mortality rates, and create employment opportunities in healthcare within these regions.

Speaking on the occasion, Udit Jain, Chief General Manager (HRD & ER), Indian Oil, stated, “This partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in tackling critical healthcare issues. By decentralizing haemodialysis services, we are committed to bringing life-saving care to underserved communities across the region,” he said adding that Naba Jyoti Das, General Manager (Human Resource), Bongaigaon Refinery (BGR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited, emphasized their goal to bridge the healthcare gap in the Assam. This initiative is a testament to Indian Oil’s dedication to delivering equitable healthcare services, even in the remotest areas. Indian Oil’s contribution of 25 haemodialysis machines will strengthen the efforts of bringing essential dialysis services closer to underserved communities and significantly improving health outcomes. This will help the local communities in Assam, that had no viable options for this life saving service until now.

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