Australia unveils renal dialysis unit for First Nations people

The new clinic caters to patients with severe kidney disease in the Coober Pedy community.

Australia has launched a new clinic under the government’s $48.8m (A$73.2m) initiative to provide better renal services for First Nations people with severe kidney disease.

The Coober Pedy renal dialysis clinic is set to see approximately eight patients per week, potentially increasing to 16 at times of high demand. 

Moreover, the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation, also known as Purple House, will deliver the new services.

This new dialysis unit will make a significant, positive difference to the lives of First Nations people in Coober Pedy while helping to close the gap.” Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy, said.

According to the government, First Nations adults are twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to have chronic kidney disease and almost four times as likely to die from such a condition.

A$1 = $0.67