Part 16: Free Kidney Dialysis & Transplant

Kidney disease requires lifelong dialysis (₹2,000-4,000 per session, 3x/week = ₹2.5-5 Lakh/year) or transplant (₹5-15 Lakh). Here’s how to get it free.

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1. Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP)

• Free dialysis at designated government hospitals across India.
• Operated through PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model — private operators run dialysis units inside government hospitals.
• Eligibility: BPL families get free. Others may pay subsidized rates.
• Available at: Most District Hospitals and Medical Colleges.

2. Ayushman Bharat Dialysis Coverage

• PM-JAY covers dialysis sessions as part of its packages.
• Cashless at empanelled hospitals.

3. Best Government Nephrology Centres

• PGIMER, Chandigarh — India’s best for nephrology and renal transplant.
• AIIMS New Delhi — Advanced nephrology and transplant.
• SGPGIMS, Lucknow — Excellent nephrology department.
• CMC Vellore — World-class (semi-govt/charitable). Subsidized for poor.

4. Kidney Transplant under PM-JAY

• Living donor kidney transplant is covered under PM-JAY.
• Package rate: ~₹2.5-3 Lakh (vs ₹8-15 Lakh private).
• Post-transplant immunosuppressive drugs need long-term management — check if covered under your state scheme.

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Next: Part 17 — Free Maternity & Child Health