RAIPUR,CG: Two years ago, a state-of-the-art dialysis centre was established at the District Hospital Balodabazar with support from the Health and Family Welfare Department and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). The initiative is now providing significant benefits to kidney patients, particularly those from remote rural areas. Between December 2023 and August 2024, a total of 2,688 dialysis sessions were conducted, with each machine performing three sessions daily.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Awasthi, District Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), highlighted that free dialysis is provided under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP). The centre has four dialysis machines, and each session lasts around four hours. One of these machines is specifically reserved for Hepatitis C patients. Depending on their condition, patients may need eight to twelve dialysis sessions per month. Currently, 38 registered patients regularly visit the centre for treatment.

Devendra, who accompanies his 67-year-old uncle Puran Lal Sahu from Kasdol town for dialysis, mentioned that they previously had to travel to Raipur for treatment, which was expensive and troublesome. Similarly, 56-year-old Dilip Baghel from Charauda village, who was advised to start dialysis 10 months ago following tests in Raipur, initially received treatment there and later at a private hospital in Balodabazar. The high costs at private facilities prompted him to seek services at the district hospital, where he now benefits from free treatment.

Family members of dialysis patients reported that the hospital provides this service completely free of charge, eliminating the need to travel to distant cities like Raipur or Bilaspur for treatment. This not only saves travel expenses but also spares patients from the fatigue of long journeys, especially when they are unwell. The centre has two technicians and one housekeeping staff. In addition to the dialysis sessions, patients are also educated on necessary dietary modifications to manage their condition.

Civil surgeon Dr. K.K. Tembhurne explained that dialysis is essential for patients with kidney failure, as it artificially removes waste products from the body when the kidneys can no longer function properly. This treatment continues until the patient recovers or receives a kidney transplant. Without dialysis, toxins can accumulate in the body, leading to severe complications or death. The CMHO urged residents of the district to take advantage of the dialysis facility when needed.