Gandhinagar: Private doctors linked to Nephrology Association of Gujarat are on strike from today till August 16, over government’s move to reduce the rates for dialysis from Rs. 2,300 to Rs. 1,950 under PMJAY scheme (including Rs. 300 as transport allowance for patients).

The rate of dialysis, the association is seeking is Rs 2,500, in which Rs 300 shall be the transport allowance for patients. The association has stated that if the demand of fixing the rates suggested by them is not accepted, then as many as 120 private doctors may withdraw from PMJAY scheme.

The doctors associated with the Association have halted carrying out dialysis under the PMJAY from today for three days against 17% reduction in re-imbursement rates. The doctors under the association claim Rs. 1650 compensation is impractical.

The association is also demanding permission to reuse dialysis filters as per the NHA and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s guidelines.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Manoj Agrawal asked the association to come on the table for discussion. He confirmed that 229 facilities are part of the strike, but he also added that none of the dialysis-seeking patients will face any trouble, as the Government runs its on robust kidney dialysis programme. Health Secretary also announced a helpline number for needy patients and further stated that 108 ambulance network has also been instructed to carry the needy patients to nearby Govt facilities for dialysis. DeshGujarat