How is the Dialysis Centre at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital Supporting Poonch Residents?
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Synopsis
The newly established dialysis center at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital in Poonch is changing lives. With free services under the Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program, residents no longer face the burden of traveling long distances for treatment. Discover how this initiative is becoming a beacon of hope for kidney patients in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Free dialysis services are available for BPL families.
- The dialysis center is located at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital.
- It has significantly reduced the need for long-distance travel for treatment.
- Currently, it operates with six beds, with a demand for expansion.
- Approximately 250-300 patients benefit from the service monthly.
Jammu, December 4 (NationPress) The complimentary dialysis service for families categorized as below the poverty line (BPL) under the Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program has significantly reduced the hardships faced by numerous kidney patients throughout the nation, with Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) being no exception.
In the Poonch district of the Union Territory, countless beneficiaries are expressing their heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the provision of free dialysis services at the Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital.
Poonch, a border district adjacent to the India-Pakistan Line of Control (LoC), has limited access to various government initiatives due to geographical challenges. Yet, this dialysis center has emerged as a lifeline not only for Poonch residents but also for individuals from nearby areas who travel to this government facility for complimentary dialysis services.
Before this, kidney patients had to journey to Chandigarh, Jammu, or Srinagar for treatment, but now they can receive dialysis right here at no cost. Both patients and their caretakers are expressing gratitude towards the government for this initiative. Some attendants are advocating for an expansion of the dialysis unit at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital.
Currently, the unit has six beds, and increasing its capacity to between 15 and 20 beds would allow for more patients to benefit from these services.
The Medical Superintendent of the hospital stated to IANS that the dialysis unit in Poonch is proving to be tremendously advantageous for the local populace, as it alleviates the need for patients to travel great distances to Jammu or Srinagar. Presently, around 250-300 individuals are receiving dialysis monthly at this state-of-the-art facility.
Significantly, the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) was initiated in 2016-17 to provide no-cost dialysis services to BPL beneficiaries at district hospitals nationwide. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), numerous Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis services have been established across the country by state governments and union territory administrations.
Point of View
The establishment of a dialysis unit in Poonch is a commendable step towards addressing healthcare disparities in remote areas. This initiative not only alleviates the burden on kidney patients but also showcases the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. The call for expansion reflects the growing need, and it is imperative that the government responds to ensure no patient is left without necessary care.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program?
The Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program is an initiative aimed at providing free dialysis services to families below the poverty line (BPL) at district hospitals across India.
How has the dialysis center in Poonch benefited residents?
The dialysis center has significantly reduced travel times for kidney patients, allowing them to receive necessary treatment locally, thus alleviating financial and physical burdens.
What are the current facilities available at the dialysis center?
Currently, the dialysis unit has six beds, serving around 250-300 patients each month, but there are calls for expanding this capacity to accommodate more patients.
Who can access the free dialysis services?
Free dialysis services are available to families classified as below the poverty line (BPL) under the Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program.
How can patients express their gratitude for the service?
Patients and their attendants have been vocal in expressing their gratitude to the government and Prime Minister Modi for this vital healthcare service.
