Fairfax India Charitable Foundation Partners With Indian Oil Corporation Limited

In a significant step to enhance healthcare accessibility across the North Eastern states of the country, Fairfax India Charitable Foundation has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) and the Governments of  Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim to provide 130 haemodialysis machines under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP). This collaboration was formalized through a tripartite agreement with the respective state governments, signed at Guwahati on the 25th of November.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a pressing public health issue in India, affecting an estimated 1.3 million patients who require haemodialysis two to three times weekly. Nationwide, the demand for haemodialysis machines, far exceeds the supply, with just 35,000 machines available against a requirement of over 200,000. For rural populations, the high cost of haemodialysis (₹2.4 lakh annually), combined with the added burden of travel and accommodation expenses, makes access to this life-saving treatment a significant challenge.

The healthcare situation in the North East states, is even more critical. Many districts lack adequate haemodialysis facilities, while existing centers face overwhelming demand. The state’s challenging terrain further complicates access to urban medical centers, leaving rural patients and their families burdened both financially and logistically. This initiative aims to reduce patient drop-offs caused by logistical challenges, to lower mortality rates, and create employment opportunities in healthcare in the North Eastern States.

Speaking on the occasion, Udit Jain, Chief General Manager (HRD & ER), Indian Oil, stated, “This partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in tackling critical healthcare issues. By decentralizing haemodialysis services, we are committed to bringing life-saving care to underserved communities across the north eastern region.”

Fairfax India Charitable Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing this gap in affordable/free dialysis access across India having enabled over 1200 machines across 27 states & UTs including 260 haemodialysis machines across the North Eastern States. This additional contribution of 130 haemodialysis machines (taking the total to 390 machines operating in the north eastern states) will strengthen these efforts, bringing essential dialysis services closer to underserved communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Suri - Trustee of Fairfax India Charitable Foundation, said “We are very grateful to Indian Oil for partnering with us at the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation contributing 130 haemodialysis machines, thus enabling much needed dialysis infrastructure across North Eastern Region. This will help the local communities in these regions, that had no viable options for this life saving service until now”