SIRAHA: The Provincial Hospital in Siraha is facing an overwhelming demand for dialysis services, with at least 20 patients reportedly waiting in line each day for treatment.
The hospital has been providing dialysis for the past three years, currently operating with 10 dialysis machines. Despite offering the service free of charge, the facility is struggling to meet rising patient demand due to a shortage of equipment and resources.
According to hospital chief Dr. Sunil Prasad Kushwaha, the hospital treats 10 patients daily, but the waiting list grows each day. “Dialysis is a temporary life-saving measure when kidney transplantation isn’t an option. Unfortunately, due to limited capacity, new patients are only accommodated when a current patient passes away,” he said.
Siraha Hospital has become a lifeline for many low-income patients, as dialysis in the private sector can cost up to Rs 7,000 per session.
Despite the critical role the hospital plays, it is currently facing severe shortages of 98 types of essential medicines, blood, and medical equipment.
Dr. Kushwaha noted that while the Madhesh Province Government has provided medical supplies worth crores, additional equipment of similar value is still urgently needed to adequately serve patients.
The hospital administration has emphasized that without an increase in machines, medical staff, and a consistent supply of medicines, the current demand cannot be met—leaving many patients at risk.
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