Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP)
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continues to be a growing consequence of the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). For many ESRD patients, dialysis remains the primary and often the only treatment option available.
The National Dialysis Programme aims to improve access to affordable dialysis services through public health facilities, reducing financial burden and ensuring equitable access to life-saving renal care.
2.2 Lakh
New ESRD Patients Added Every Year in India
Every year approximately 2.2 lakh new End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients are added in India, creating an additional demand for nearly 3.4 crore dialysis sessions annually. Despite around 4,950 dialysis centres across the country, the existing infrastructure meets less than half of the growing demand.
Need for National Dialysis Programme
2.2 Lakh
New ESRD Patients Annually
3.4 Crore
Additional Dialysis Sessions Required Every Year
4,950
Dialysis Centres in India
₹3–4 Lakhs
Annual Patient Expenditure
Since every dialysis session costs approximately ₹2,000, patients often incur annual expenses ranging from ₹3–4 lakhs. Strengthening dialysis services in District Hospitals significantly reduces this financial burden and improves accessibility for patients.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model
To leverage the expertise and infrastructure available in the private sector while utilizing the strengths of the public health system such as drugs, diagnostics and patient outreach, the National Dialysis Programme is implemented through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Solution Strategy
There are two primary forms of dialysis available for managing End Stage Renal Disease:
Hemodialysis (HD)
Commonly known as Blood Dialysis, Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine that acts as an artificial kidney before returning it to the body.
- Performed in designated dialysis centres
- Usually required 3 times per week
- Each session lasts approximately 3–4 hours
- Requires regular medical supervision
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Commonly known as Water Dialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis uses the abdominal lining as a natural filter to remove waste products from the blood.
- Can often be performed at home
- Requires less direct medical supervision
- Offers greater convenience for selected patients
Hemodialysis (HD)
In Hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body and passed through a dialysis machine that filters waste products and excess fluids before returning the purified blood back to the patient.
3 Times
Per Week
3–4 Hours
Per Session
Hemodialysis is typically performed in specialized dialysis centres under medical supervision and remains the most commonly used form of dialysis treatment.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) forms an important component of Chronic Kidney Disease management and provides patients with an alternative home-based treatment option.
National Dialysis Programme (NDP) – Peritoneal Dialysis
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
- Performed manually
- 3–5 exchanges per day
- Does not require a machine
- Suitable for home-based care
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
- Uses an automated cycler machine
- Typically performed overnight
- 3–5 exchanges while sleeping
- Offers greater convenience for some patients
In Peritoneal Dialysis, the blood is cleaned without being removed from the body. The abdominal lining acts as a natural filter, and a specially formulated dialysis solution helps remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream.
Advantages of Peritoneal Dialysis
Home-based treatment option
Reduced need for frequent hospital visits
Greater patient convenience and flexibility
Less dependence on dialysis centres
Suitable for selected ESRD patients
Improved continuity of care
Patient-Centric Treatment Approach
Each dialysis modality has its own advantages and limitations. The most appropriate treatment option depends on the patient’s medical condition, lifestyle requirements, and associated co-morbidities. Patients are encouraged to discuss all available treatment options with their healthcare providers before initiating dialysis therapy.
The National Dialysis Programme strengthens renal care services by expanding access to affordable dialysis, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure, improving treatment accessibility through public hospitals, and enhancing the quality of life for patients living with End Stage Renal Disease.
