Sirsi: The Pandith Public Hospital finally opened a dialysis unit, a long pending demand of the people of Sirsi. In the last 20 days, more than 36 dialysis have been performed.

On January 8, the dialysis unit was inaugurated and has been providing treatment to at least four patients with kidney problem.

People of Sirsi started demanding for setting up of a dialysis unit in the town after there was a gradual increase in number of kidney patients. Residents exerted pressure on elected representatives, which resulted in sanctioning of one dialysis unit at Sirsi three years ago. However, before the project could be implemented, the unit was shifted to Dandeli, which resulted in people’s outrage.

Anger mixed with persistence with the elected representatives meant that another dialysis unit was sanctioned here last year and now has started functioning at the Pandith Pubic Hospital.

Speaking to media, Taluk Health Officer Vinayak Bhat said that the unit requires nearly 250 litres of water for every dialysis.

Initially there was a scarcity of water. However, an alternate water arrangement was made on Saturday, and the issue has now been fixed.

It takes four hours for one person to under go dialysis and two dialysis machines at the unit can provide relief to four persons a day. At present, the unit has one technician and four staff nurse. However, the vital post of Physician is still vacant at the hospital, which has resulted in patients not getting complete treatment, he said.

He said that the unit is in great demand as the neighbouring taluk hospitals such as Mundgod, Yellapur, Siddapur and others don’t have dialysis unit at the taluk hospital. Already, the unit has registered 32 patients name and the list is expected to grow further. At present top priority has been given to provide treatment to poor patients who regularly used to get dialysis at private hospitals.

“The dialysis unit here has benefited poor and middle class family members who can afford treatment at the private hospitals. Here, they can get treatment for free of cost,” said Sandesh Bhat, who had come for his father’s treatment.