The dialysis center at Kamla Nehru Hospital in Pune has been facing a severe crisis as 13 out of 15 dialysis machines have remained non-functional for several months. This unfortunate situation has left patients in distress and has raised concerns about the quality of healthcare services provided to the economically weaker sections of society. The dialysis facility was established through a collaboration between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and an organization with the aim of offering affordable treatment options.
The major reason behind the non-functioning machines is the PMC’s failure to clear pending bills, which has resulted in unpaid salaries for the employees. This financial strain has directly impacted the maintenance and upkeep of the dialysis center, affecting its ability to provide essential services to patients. Unfortunately, the PMC’s Health Department has shown a lack of attention and urgency in addressing this critical issue, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The prevalence of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes has been steadily increasing, leading to a higher demand for dialysis services. Prolonged use of medication to manage these conditions can have adverse effects on kidney function, eventually resulting in kidney failure. Dialysis plays a crucial role in removing harmful substances from the blood for patients whose kidneys have ceased to function effectively.
The cost of dialysis treatment in private hospitals is exorbitant, making it unaffordable for many economically disadvantaged individuals. Recognizing this need, the Mrs. Aruna Naik dialysis center was established at Kamla Nehru Hospital in collaboration with the Lions Club of Poona Mukund Nagar Charitable Trust seven years ago. Since its inception, the center has successfully provided dialysis to over 40,000 patients. Under the PMC’s Shahari Garib Yojana, eligible members pay a nominal fee of ₹400 for dialysis and also receive additional benefits such as Dilight Tubing and blood count-increasing injections, offering much-needed financial relief.
Despite the center’s importance in catering to the needs of underprivileged patients, the non-functional machines have severely impacted its operations. Currently, only two out of the 15 machines in the Aruna Naik Unit are operational, causing significant inconvenience and prolonged waiting times for patients in need of dialysis. Additionally, issues such as lack of cleanliness and malfunctioning air conditioning further compound the challenges faced by patients during their treatment.
A representative from the Lions Club of Poona Mukund Nagar Charitable Trust highlighted the financial difficulties caused by the PMC’s failure to clear a bill of ₹15 lakh since February. While the center initially installed 15 machines, it requires 10-12 functioning machines to cater adequately to the patients’ needs. Efforts are underway to replace the old machines, but administrative hurdles must be resolved to ensure the smooth functioning of the dialysis center.
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Chief of Health Department at the PMC, acknowledged the closure of the dialysis machines since last year. He cited the shortage of technicians and nurses as contributing factors to the challenges faced by patients. However, the non-functioning machines only came to the attention of senior PMC officers after patients lodged complaints. As a result, instructions have been issued to Assistant Health Officer Dr. Manisha Naik to inspect the machines and submit a detailed report on the situation.
Dr. Pawar assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue and that the process of paying the outstanding bills is underway. He emphasized the need to address the existing gaps in service provision and prevent any further disruptions in dialysis services.
Umesh Naik, a social worker, expressed concern over the problems faced by patients at the dialysis center. He highlighted issues such as patients feeling excessively cold during treatment, as well as swelling in their hands and legs. Naik called for the Health Department to take immediate action, prevent the closure of the center, and address the lack of clear communication from civic officials regarding the problems at hand.
It is essential for the PMC and the Health Department to prioritize the resolution of the dialysis center’s crisis at Kamla Nehru Hospital. Swift action, including the payment of pending bills, ensuring adequate staffing, and addressing maintenance issues, is crucial to provide uninterrupted and high-quality dialysis services to those who depend on them. The well-being of the patients must remain at the forefront, and every effort should be made to restore the functioning of the non-operational machines and improve the overall conditions at the dialysis center.
