Social impact Management with regard to the kidney disease in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The chronic kidney decease (CKD) is one of the major health problems as well as an unresolved socio economic catastrophe in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. The socio economic and the environmental changes have been identified as main causes for CKD. The majority CKD patients are middle income earners and the cost of CKD has contributed to increase the poverty and stigma of those affected families. The inability to earn money, loss of productivity, and malnutrition are leading outcomes of CKD. The objective of this paper is to examine the coping strategies to overcome socio economic problems created through CKD. Researchers have adopted a non-positivist approach in this study and data was mainly gathered using documentary evidence which is available in the form of academic and professional writings. Further, researchers have capitalized their own observations about the CKD. The findings reveal that, as a developing nation, the restrictions and the inadequate facilities in the health sector have been contributed to increase the number of CKD patients. The major hazard for the patients in the affected areas is poverty. The government and the other responsible bodies should provide source of economic resolution to engage in an income source other than agriculture. The transportation facilities for the patients to access the hospitals and clinics should be provided. Then the allowances for patients should be encouraged during the early stage of the illness which will cut off the hazard of the later stage recovery and the cost for the patient. The appeal for the kidney donations through mass media is one direct coping strategy. The ministry of water supply and drainage has supplied small treatment Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants to clean groundwater from wells and provide the water to vulnerable communities. Moreover, rain water harvesting tanks have been provided to reduce the use of well water in certain areas. Further, corporate sector has also contributed in the form of corporate social responsibility. However, researcher found that these initiatives are lacking in terms of providing a psychological support for the people through counselling and religious means. Despite these contributions by both government and private sector the issue of CKD is still existing and growing. Therefore, it requires a long term policy oriented support with the participation of relevant multistakeholders.