Tanker Foundation Expands Subsidised Dialysis Network to 11 Centres Across Chennai

Tanker Foundation, established by nephrologist Dr. Georgi Abraham, has expanded its dialysis network to 11 centres across Chennai out of 16 operating across Tamil Nadu, providing free or subsidised kidney care to patients.

The healthcare initiative began in the mid-2000s at a vacant house belonging to Dr. Abraham's father-in-law on Poonamallee High Road following the doctor's return from Canada. As the demand for dialysis grew, the Foundation partnered with Rotary Ambattur Hospital to launch services with five machines. The Ambattur facility has since expanded to 26 machines and currently serves 127 patients.

Over the past two decades, the Foundation's initiative has scaled up to provide dialysis sessions two to three times a week for patients across Chennai and neighbouring areas. Sessions are provided free of cost or at a subsidised rate of ₹375 per sitting.

According to Dr. Abraham, founder-president of the Tanker Foundation, a majority of patients receiving care are enrolled under the Chief Minister's Scheme. When treatment expenses exceed the coverage provided by the scheme, the organisation mobilises donor funding to cover the balance.

Patients are eligible for the subsidised treatment if their kidney function ranges between 6 and 8 percent and if they meet financial background criteria for outpatient care. The network allows individuals to receive care at the facility closest to their residence.

The Foundation noted that rising cases of kidney-related ailments have generated heavy demand for its services, particularly among patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and history of heart disease who require early detection and ongoing care.