BAGLUNG: Kidney patients in Baglung have found much-needed relief after Dhaulagiri Provincial Hospital began offering regular dialysis services within the district.
Local resident Teknath Sharma, who has been receiving treatment there, said the availability of the service has saved both time and expenses. The hospital is currently providing regular dialysis to 60 patients.
“The number of kidney patients is increasing, but the hospital’s equipment and manpower are limited,” Sharma said. “Earlier, I had to travel to Pokhara for treatment. Now, I can receive free dialysis here in my own district, which has made life easier.”
According to Dr. Kiran Tiwari, Chief Medical Superintendent of the hospital, the demand for dialysis has risen sharply in recent months. While there were no patients on the waiting list a year ago, 26 people are now waiting for their turn.
The hospital, which began its dialysis service in 2075 BS with two machines, now operates 11 machines and provides free treatment in four shifts each day.
Despite the expansion, the hospital continues to face challenges due to limited space, equipment, and medical staff. “Even with 11 machines, we are struggling to accommodate the increasing number of patients,” said Dr. Tiwari.
The hospital currently relies on trained nurses and general physicians to run the dialysis unit, as there is still a shortage of nephrologists.
Hospital officials said that if additional infrastructure, equipment, and specialist doctors are made available, the hospital could treat even more patients and further ease the burden on those suffering from kidney disease.
Comment