Section 31-16-1. Findings; declaration of purpose

   (a) It is declared and found that one of the most serious and tragic problems facing the public health and welfare is the death of hundreds of persons in this state every year from chronic renal disease, although the present state of medical arts and technology could return these persons to a socially productive life. Advances and discoveries in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic renal disease now allow not mere survival but rehabilitation of these patients to their normal occupations and activities. Presently, these patients are dying for lack of personal financial resources to pay for the expensive equipment and care which they need.

(b) The state recognizes its responsibilities to allow its citizens to keep their health without being pauperized and to use its resources and organization to aid in gathering and disseminating information on the treatment of chronic renal disease. It is believed that these programs will, by making treatment of chronic renal disease easily available, steadily lower the cost of such treatment.

Code 1933, § 88-3001, enacted by Ga. L. 1972, p. 708, § 1.