Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister V. Somanna on Tuesday said that the government is mulling to offer free dialysis treatment even to APL card holders also.

“I will discuss this issue with BBMP Commissioner shortly. I am confident that this will be implemented,” Somanna said, at a function orgsnised to mark the first anniversary of Sangolli Rayanna Dialysis Centre at Govindarajanagar.

He said the Sangolli Rayanna dialysis can be equipped with 68 dialysis instrument. “We started this Centre with two instruments and now we have 48 such instruments,” the Minister said added, “As many as 20,100 patients have been treated in this centre per year and we have proved that the best treatment can be made available in government hospitals”

Somanna explained that the disused place and land was taken over by the BBMP after a legal battle and a sophisticated dialysis centre has been started.

“I am aware of the struggles and difficulties the elected representatives underwent in this process,” Somanna revealed.

He also said that the patients not only from BBMP area but also from Bangalore Rural and Ramanagara district are getting benefit from this Sangolli Rayanna dialysis centre.

According to Somanna, BPL card holders are getting treatment free of cost and APL card holders are paying Rs 700. “Going by the less number of APL card holders undergoing treatment, we are thinking to make it free of cost even to APL card holders also. I have instructed the BBMP Commissioner to look into the matter,” Somanna explained.

Salient features of the dialysis centre

• Started with two dialysis instrument, Sangolli Rayanna Dialysis Centre today boasts of 42 such instruments. The Centre’s carrying capacity is 68 such instruments.
• As many as 20,100 patients suffering from kidney failure have been provided dialysis treatment.
• BPL card holders are getting free treatment.
• Rs 700 is being charged for APL card holders.