The National Federation Party says Attorney General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum has grossly insulted kidney patients and the people of Fiji by saying they will not be provided free dialysis because it may result in people not caring for their health.
NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says kidney patients, particularly those whose household income is less than $30,000 have been dealt a bitter blow by Sayed-Khaiyum’s statement.
Professor Prasad says the patients were expecting free dialysis with the increase in allocation but will now be forced to pay at least half of the cost of $150, which is $75 for their treatment thrice a week.
He says this would mean kidney patients below the threshold of $30,000 will end up paying a total of $225 per week.
The NFP Leader has questioned how someone on a minimum wage of $2.68 an hour pays for three treatments when he or she would earn a net wage of $110.95 per week minus FNPF contribution.
Professor Prasad says kidney patients whose household incomes are less than $30,000 will be provided free dialysis treatment by an NFP Government.
He says those above the threshold of $30,000 will have their treatment subsidized.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said at the Budget Roadshow at USP that the government does not want to provide kidney dialysis for free to everyone as this may result in people not caring for their health.
Sayed-Khaiyum says about 600 people may need dialysis in the country.
He says two dialysis centres will be set up in the country.
