Dialysis services increase in Phagwara amid surge in kidney ailments

With a steady rise in kidney-related ailments in recent years, Phagwara has witnessed a notable increase in dialysis services across both government and private healthcare sectors.

A visit by The Tribune to medical centres offering dialysis revealed that, while the disease continues to spread silently among the population, advancements in treatment and greater accessibility are providing timely relief to many patients.

The Government Civil Hospital (GCH) in Phagwara has been offering dialysis services since 2016 and currently operates two units. Medical Officer Dr Badhan, along with staff nurse Parminder Kaur and dialysis technician Lakhwinder Singh, stated that approximately six patients undergo dialysis daily at the facility, with all services provided entirely free of cost. The presence of such a government-supported initiative has proven beneficial to underprivileged patients who cannot afford treatment elsewhere.

However, a significant shortcoming remains the absence of a full-time nephrologist at the 140-bed hospital. Despite repeated requests and the growing number of cases, no specialist has yet been appointed, raising concerns among medical professionals and the local population.

In addition to the public health infrastructure, charitable and private institutions in Phagwara are also playing a crucial role in delivering dialysis services. Shri Vishwakarma Charitable Hospital, Phagwara, has emerged as a key player in this domain, offering treatment through four dialysis units. According to the hospital president, Pardeep Dhiman, nearly a dozen patients are treated here every day. The facility charges a nominal amount of Rs 500 per session, which is frequently waived depending on the patient’s financial status. “We believe no one should be denied treatment because of monetary issues,” said Dhiman, emphasising the hospital’s commitment to social responsibility.

Gandhi Hospital was the second facility in the city to begin dialysis services after the Civil Hospital. Managing Director Dr Satnam Singh Parmar confirmed that one dialysis unit has been installed and continues to function efficiently. He noted that the hospital has long recognised the urgent need for dialysis support in the area, especially as lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to kidney damage.

Further strengthening the city’s private healthcare sector, renowned cardiologist Dr Sanjeev Saroya, a D.M. (Cardiology) from PGIMER, Chandigarh, has established two dialysis units at Saroya Hospital. Dr Saroya explained that a nephrologist visits his hospital three times a week to provide specialised care for patients with chronic kidney disease. He stressed the importance of preventive measures, particularly among diabetic patients, urging people to manage blood sugar levels rigorously and undergo regular health check-ups to detect kidney issues at an early stage.

While the availability of dialysis facilities in Phagwara has improved notably in recent years, the rising number of patients and lack of specialised nephrology services in government hospitals highlight the urgent need for further policy attention and resource allocation. The growing burden of non-communicable diseases necessitates a multi-faceted approach — involving prevention, early detection and affordable treatment — to ensure that kidney care is not just available but also sustainable and inclusive.

As Phagwara continues to respond to the mounting healthcare challenge, it stands as a model of how collaborative efforts between public institutions, charitable organisations and private healthcare providers can address critical medical needs in smaller cities.