According to the Northern Territory Aboriginal health organization, AMSANT, Australia is in the face of a 'renal tsunami' due to bickering between Northern Territory and Southern Australia governments on the matters of renal dialysis.

Due to refusal by South Australian government in providing funds for the use of beds at Alice Springs Hospital by Northern Territory, renal patients in the Pitjantjatjara have to travel to Adelaide for their treatments.

In conjunction with the World Kidney Day, today, John Paterson, AMSANT's Executive Officer says governments should use the occasion to announce the move to provide more funding for renal facilities.

According to Mr Paterson, every year, there is an increase of 12 percent in renal patients which is can be compared to an additional 24 beds. Proactive actions are needed on the part of the governments to provide necessary fundings.

Andrea Mason, the coordinator of the NPY Women's Council informs that the only alternative for community leader Nura Ward and at least 20 other people from the APY lands in South Australia to receive treatment is by travelling more than 1,400 kilometres.

She says, For them it's very concerning not to have anything clear from both the Northern Territory Health Minister and the South Australian Health Minister.

According to Ms Mason, the two governments have yet to settle on an agreement to allow new patients from the APY lands to get their treatments in Alice Springs.

The Federal Government's role is much needed to resolve the cross-border dispute between the Northern Territory and South Australia on renal dialysis matters, says the Australian Greens.

Just yesterday, a Senate motion was passed by the Greens to persuade South Australian government to agree on providing renal dialysis funds in Alice Springs for patients from the APY lands.

Between the Northern Territory and Western Australia, a funding agreement has already been reached. If the South Australian government refuses to come to the table, Green Senator Rachel Siewert believes the Federal Government should take charge.

They clearly have a role in helping to negotiate or facilitate in negotiations in between the NT and the South Australian governments, says Ms Siewert. This situation indeed calls for the leadership role that they said they want to achieve in the health provision deparment.

Australia