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Last update: 12:05 p.m. EDT July 9, 2008 EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 9, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Bridge of Life - DaVita MedicalMissions(TM), a non-profit organization founded by DaVita Inc. that focuses onbringing life-saving dialysis to developing countries, officially opened thedoors to its newest dialysis clinic in India in late June. The new clinic islocated in the Mishirmal Bafnal Parmarath Hospital and is the first of twoclinics that Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Mission's partner, InternationalHealth Benefit Services, plans to open in India this summer with the supportof the non-profit. The dialysis clinic will treat kidney patients at a minimalcost, bringing much-needed relief to the region's government hospitals. Chronic kidney disease affects 1 million people in India, with anadditional 7.5 million people at risk for developing renal failure. Yetlifesaving dialysis treatments are generally unavailable in India. Bridge ofLife - DaVita Medical Mission's new clinic will provide these services tolocal residents. "Kidney disease is a huge problem in India and this clinic will providequality dialysis [to masses at large] [to patients], both in terms of adequacyand improved sanitation, including optimal pre-treated water for treatment,"said Dr. Manish Chaturvedy. "Along with these health improvements, the newclinic also brings a constant source of inspiration to all of us workingtogether as a team in caring for the patients with renal failure." In partnership with several health care providers and local physicians,Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Missions also held a "Renal Awareness Camp" inJodhpur on April 27 and provided free health care screenings, early detectionand education materials on kidney disease and kidney failure to more than 150local residents. Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Mission translated many ofthe kidney care resources available in the U.S. and customized them for theIndian diet, lifestyle and culture -- thus providing a comprehensive toolkitto ensure the people of Jodhpur are better educated on end stage renal diseaseand chronic kidney disease (CKD). "It is amazing to me that in such a short period of time so many wonderfulresources have been made available and so many generous people have steppedforward to volunteer their time," said Ginny Mello, Executive Director for theBridge of Life-DaVita Medical Missions program. "Bridge of Life is committedto working with the local physicians and team to support efforts that willhelp identify and treat diseases that contribute to the need for dialysis inIndia." The Jodhpur clinic is one of four the Bridge of Life - DaVita MedicalMissions has opened in underserved communities outside the United States tohelp care for those suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure.Partnership opportunities are continuing to grow throughout Central and SouthAmerica, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Bridge of Life's mainsponsor, DaVita, is one of the leading providers of kidney care services inthe United States and has been partnering with local entities around the worldto help bring much needed assistance to impoverished communities. DaVita hasprovided technical support, equipment, supplies, training and thousands ofteammate hours. As part of DaVita's commitment to building a healthy, caringcommunity, DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programsdedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainablechange for children, families and our environment. About DaVita Inc. DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500(R) company, is a leading provider of kidneycare in the United States, providing dialysis services and education forpatients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVitamanages more than 1,300 outpatient facilities and acute units in more than 700hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, servingapproximately 107,000 patients. For more information about DaVita, its kidneyeducation programs and its community programs, please visit http://www.davita.com. About Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Missions Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Missions, a pending 501(c)(3) non-profitfounded by DaVita, focuses on efforts to improve the quality of life for thosein underserved communities both locally and throughout the world. Bridge ofLife - DaVita Medical Missions in partnership with DaVita teammatesestablishes dialysis facilities, trains local staff, pre-screens localresidents for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and works with local hospitals inunderserved countries to provide quality dialysis assistance. For moreinformation on Bridge of Life-DaVita Medical Missions' programs, please visit http://www.bridgeoflifemm.org. SOURCE DaVita Inc.

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