Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Provides Free Kidney Dialysis And Affordable Healthcare Services

Anthony Gomes couldn't have asked for more. His free dialysis began in March this year at Gurdwara Bala Sahib's kidney dialysis facility in South-East Delhi. Sharing his experience, he says, “A relative informed me about this dialysis centre and told me that it is free of cost. I came here and registered myself immediately. I have been getting dialysis treatment here right from the start, and it is going well.” Resonating with Mr Gomes, Anu, another beneficiary, said,

They saved my life. Without them, I wouldn't have survived.

Anthony and Anu echo the emotions of all the people who have been benefitted from the dialysis services being offered for free by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). In an attempt to ensure access to healthcare to all, DSGMC initiated this free service earlier this year. The running cost will be covered through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, individual donations and government schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

This is Asia's biggest dialysis centre with 100 beds. We have been doing dialysis for last two months for all the patients who are coming to us, free of cost, said Dr Venkatesh R, Medical Director, while talking to NDTV.

In another effort, to provide affordable healthcare to all, a diagnostic center has been set up in Gurudwara Sri Bangla Sahib complex to provide several tests including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound and digital x-ray facilities at reasonable rates for those who cannot otherwise afford them.

Along with this, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has also set up four pharmacies across the national capital Delhi to provide medicines at subsidised rates. These pharmacies called ‘Bala Pritam Dawakhana' are run by trained pharmacists and almost all the medicines are being sold at factory prices.