While the industry applauded the government’s announcement on having a national dialysis service programme under PPP model for patients across the country, they did express their concern over how they plan to acquire the devices for the same, whether through make in India route or by imports. Experts stressed that it is important for the government to clarify this at the earliest as this will either push the make in Indian campaign further or cripple it.

This fear stems from the fact that currently most of the advanced dialysis machines used in the country are imported, with very few MNCs making dialysers in India. Even then, it is understood that only equipments like catheters, needles, blood tubing, and dialysis treatment chairs etc are often made by them in India.

Fresenius Medical Care, GE, Nipro are some of the MNCs manufacturing these highly advanced dialysis machines which are imported and marketed in India. Rajiv Nath forum coordinator of AIMED said that this move will certainly have a huge impact on the public healthcare system as it enable affordable option to the patients in need of dialysis. However, he did add that since the treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) which ranges from dieting and drug therapy to regular dialysis, is very expensive, there needs to a more affordable options.

It is understood that one year of dialysis costs anywhere between $1,000 at government subsidised clinics to $10,000 for home based treatment. Thus having a PPP model for the same is going to be crucial in providing support to scores of Indians suffering from CKD.

He stressed that though they are happy with this announcements as it comes as a huge relief to the patients, the industry is little worried due to lack of clarity on this issue. He said, “We hope that this announcement will not have an impact on the January 19 notification which increased the rate of basic customs duty on certain specified medical devices from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, and to simultaneously withdraw the exemption from additional customs duty (SAD) on these medical devices. We are getting mixed signals now on how the government plans to move ahead on this. The Centre needs to come out with a clear cut consistent policy on their promises, on whether they are going to involve us in this process or are they going to reduce the import duty on this devices to meet their demand as per their requirements. Domestic manufacturers do have the ability to make sophisticated dialysis equipment, which is yet to be explored to its full potential. We are open to work with the Centre on this model so that this venture will help both the industry and the Centre in providing affordable high quality option to patients.”

The management of chronic kidney disease requires a host of medical devices, from glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps to dialysis equipment. Other products with strong demand include dialysers, dialysis solutions, concentrates, and home dialysis equipment.