Shopian Nov 1: Residents and patients in Zainapora area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district have demanded the early operationalisation of a dialysis centre at the Sub-District Hospital, saying the facility remains non-functional nearly three months after its inauguration.
According to residents, the dialysis centre was inaugurated around three months ago with the expectation that it would provide relief to patients suffering from kidney-related ailments. However, the facility has yet to begin functioning, forcing patients to continue visiting private healthcare centres for regular dialysis sessions.
Mubashir Ahmad Bhat, a local resident, told Greater Kashmir that despite the inauguration of the facility several months ago, patients had not received any benefit from it.
“We do not understand what the purpose of inaugurating the facility was when it has yet to become operational,” he said.
He said kidney patients required regular dialysis and the absence of the facility at the local hospital had added to their difficulties, particularly for those who could not afford treatment at private centres.
Nadeem Ahmad, another resident, said patients from Zainapora and adjoining areas had to travel long distances to access dialysis services, causing inconvenience and adding to their financial burden.
“Patients have to travel considerable distances to get dialysis done. Besides the inconvenience, they also have to bear additional expenses because the facility at the hospital remains non-functional,” he said.
Residents said the availability of dialysis services at the Sub-District Hospital would provide much-needed relief to patients who otherwise had to depend on facilities outside the area.
They said regular dialysis sessions are essential for patients with kidney failure and delays or difficulties in accessing treatment can further compound their problems.
The residents urged the Health Department and hospital authorities to look into the matter and take immediate steps to make the centre functional.
They also sought clarification from the authorities about the reasons for the delay, saying the facility should be made available to patients instead of remaining limited to an inaugurated infrastructure.
They said operationalising the centre would reduce the need for patients to travel to distant locations and help ease the financial and logistical difficulties faced by kidney patients and their families.
