YS Jagan launches research hospital in Srikakulam to resolve Uddanam kidney issue

SRIKAKULAM: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated the Dr YSR Kidney Research and Super Speciality Hospital in Palasa on Thursday to resolve the decades-long chronic kidney issues affecting the residents of Uddanam in Srikakulam district.

The Chief Minister unveiled the state-of-the-art 200-bed hospital which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 85 crore. Additionally, he dedicated the monumental YSR Sujaladhara Project, a transformative endeavour providing purified drinking water to 6.78 lakh people in 807 villages at a cost of Rs 700 crore.

Speaking at the event, YS Jagan said, "The people of Uddanam still remember the words that I said on December 30, 2018. I promised them that we would give a permanent solution to their long-standing kidney issues. With your blessings and the grace of God, we've now set up a state-of-the-art hospital and kidney research center, fulfilling that commitment."

Emphasising the Government's proactive stance in implementing measures for the treatment of those affected, the Chief Minister said, "We're actively screening residents in seven districts to detect kidney diseases early. With over two lakh screening tests conducted, we're identifying those affected and offering treatment. To enhance accessibility, we've equipped 24 PHCs and 6 CHC centers in Uddanam with semi-autoanalysers. Additionally, we provide 30 essential medicines to victims through a free door-to-door distribution system."

Confident that Uddanam Kidney Research Center would become a beacon of inspiration for the nation, the Chief Minister remarked, "I've directed the doctors to commence kidney transplantation operations here by February next year. The Uddanam Kidney Research Center is poised to set a national benchmark with its cutting-edge facilities. With a team of 375 dedicated professionals, including qualified doctors and staff, this hospital is committed to addressing the long-standing health challenges faced by the people."

Taking a jibe at former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his failure to address the kidney issue in Uddanam, Jagan said, "Despite Chandrababu Naidu's 14 years of political experience as a Chief Minister, he failed to provide a solution to this enduring problem. He neglected the decade-long suffering of the people and didn't take the initiative to find solutions. In contrast, witnessing your struggles during my padayatra, I made a promise to address and resolve your concerns. Today, I am proud to say that we have successfully fulfilled that promise."

Key Features of the YSR Kidney Research & Super Speciality Hospital

• The hospital, established at Rs 85 crore in Palasa, is dedicated to offering advanced and free-of-cost corporate treatment for kidney patients and to conduct research related to kidney diseases.

• Spanning four floors across three blocks, the facility is meticulously designed to deliver comprehensive and advanced medical care to kidney patients. Specialised departments include casualty, radio diagnosis, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry labs, central labs, nephrology, urology, general medicine, surgery, dialysis, post-operative/ICU, and research labs are available.

• Equipped with ICU facilities featuring cutting-edge equipment such as CT scan, 2D Echo, High-End color Doppler, Mobile X-ray (Digital), THULIUM Laser, Euro Dynamic Machine, among others.

• In a proactive approach, the Government has successfully recruited 42 doctors specialising in various fields, along with 60 staff nurses and an additional 60 supporting staff members. These professionals are strategically placed in various specialty and super specialty departments, including general medicine, general surgery, urology, and nephrology.

Key Features of YSR Sujaladhara Project

• The YSRCP Government has dedicated a substantial amount of Rs 700 crore to realise the longstanding aspiration of the people of Srikakulam. The Government has been providing purified drinking water to all villages in the Uddanam region through the 'YSR Sujaladhara' Project, addressing the prevalent issue of chronic kidney diseases.

• The Government's initiative extends to 807 villages across seven mandals in Palasa and Ichchapuram constituencies, leveraging water sourced from the Hiramandalam reservoir. This strategic approach ensures the widespread distribution of purified drinking water in an area where kidney diseases have been a significant health concern.

• In light of the current population of 6.78 lakhs in the region, with an anticipated increase to 7.85 lakhs by 2051, the YSR Sujaladhara Project has been meticulously designed to not only cater to the present needs but also accommodate the future requirements of the growing population. This forward-looking aspect ensures the sustained efficacy of the project in meeting the evolving demands of the people.