The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to expand hemodialysis services at government hospitals through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism, citing rising demand for renal care across the island.
Dialysis services are currently available at approximately 80 government hospitals.
However, existing resources have been deemed inadequate to meet growing clinical needs, resulting in ongoing challenges for kidney patients in accessing timely and sufficient treatment, Cabinet spokesperson Minster Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Drawing on the experience of a PPP model already implemented at Kandy National Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media plans to develop a suitable framework for introducing similar partnerships at other selected government hospitals.
It is expected that the hemodialysis machines, reverse osmosis systems, necessary consumables, operation, and maintenance will be completely financed and managed by the private partner, and the government will provide infrastructure while maintaining full clinical supervision.
Asked if the move will undermine government hospital services and encourage private hospital services, the Minister said that it will only strengthen available services.
“According to the services provided we will make payments. The health services will be provided by our health workers, while maintenance of machinery will be done by the companies,” he explained.
The government will supply the necessary infrastructure and retain full clinical oversight, he added, stating that the intention is to provide an efficient services, through modern technology.
“Currently, the Colombo National Hospital incurs a cost of Rs. 12,221 per patient per dialysis session, while the cost at Kandy Hospital is Rs. 10,713. Of this amount, Rs. 6,700 is paid to the private company,” he said.
The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to move forward with implementing the PPP mechanism to expand hemodialysis services. (Newswire)