Dialysis service begins in KIHS

By Our correspondent,Jumla, Aug.20: The dialysis service for renal patients has been initiated at the Karnali Institute of Health Sciences (KIHS). The service commenced in full capacity two years after the installation of the equipment.

It is regarded that this service will serve remote communities within Karnali Province. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the former Minister for Health and Population for the Province, inaugurated the dialysis service in August 2023.

However, the service did not come into operation due to technical issues, including a deficiency of necessary equipment. Consequently, many renal patients in Karnali were adversely affected.

Recently, the number of renal patients in Karnali has increased significantly, with inadequate access to potable water. Before the availability of dialysis services, patients from Karnali were compelled to seek treatment at hospitals in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu, incurring substantial expenses.

Dr. Pujan Kumar Rokaya, the Vice-Chancellor of KIHS, stated that the initiation of dialysis services constitutes a notable achievement.

According to Dr. Rokaya, the institute has provided two dialysis machines. “We are committed to effective management and continuous provision of services, with the goal of operating four machines,” he said. "A woman from Khatyad Rural Municipality, Mugu, was the first beneficiary.”

Sabina Thapa, the Nursing Director of the Institute, emphasised that the dialysis service will benefit the affected people in Karnali by reducing the financial burden associated with healthcare expenses.

Medical experts indicate that renal patients require regular dialysis services and that the costs of such treatment are high.

In addition to the dialysis services, the Karnali Institute of Health Sciences is planning to establish a kidney transplantation service in the future.