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Bambis takes the first stride for affordable dialysis center

Saturday, 21 June 2008

- Donates 1mln birr By A Staff Reporter Owner of Bambis Supermarket, Charalambos Chimas, has taken the initiative for the establishment of an affordable dialysis center here in the country, and, for a starter, he has made a donation of one million birr. The 77-year-old Greek-born businessman is also lobbying for the support of donor institutions and the diplomatic community. Chimas, who on Wednesday held an exclusive interview with the Amharic Reporter, said, "Last week we called a meeting that was attended by 44 ambassadors and notable personalities. They all promised to support the initiative and make their contributions -- the American and European ambassadors have given me their word. Acquiring the money for the purchase of the machines is not as much a problem as covering the operation costs of the center." Currently, the price for dialysis treatment is within or over the range of 3,600 birr per month. Chimas, a.k.a Bambis, said that with the amount of money that is already available, it is possible to purchase 4 machines. And depending on the level of support that he will manage to get, he plans to acquire more. "For the time being we can purchase four or five machines. The Ambassadors have given us hope. And, if and when we get that help, we will buy ten to twenty more machines. The amount of money we have now is good to have us start," Chimas said. Due to sufficient treatment facilities and unaffordable treatment fees, most patients who suffer from kidney problems or failure, either die or are forced to relocate to other countries in search of affordable dialysis treatment.

 

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