RANCHI: In a major relief to kidney patients in the area, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi has now launched its nephrology department. The inauguration of the department was made on Tuesday by the state Health minister Banna Gupta and the authorities expect to full-fledgedly launch the services in the coming 15-20 days .

The move will come as a major relief in the current COVID-19 environment, where many private healthcare institutions and healthcare setups have stopped their dialysis facilities in the fear of coronavirus transmission

Dr Pragya Pant, a doctor of medicine in nephrology from Banaras Hindu University, who was currently having a flourishing private practice in the area has now left her private job and will take charge of the new department.

Speaking about the department, She told Telegraph "We have to depute nurses and technicians besides installing the machines and equipment. This is a time-consuming process. I am hoping that the department will become operational in 15-20 days. Once it happens, we will be able to offer three-day OPD (outpatient department) services besides dialysis and other facilities. Transplants will start later".

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Speaking at inauguration Health Minister Mr. Gupta told the media "We have four dialysis machines hear that are functional. At a time when many Private hospitals have surrendered to COVID-19, government hospitals are catering to the medical needs of the people." He further added "Now, kidney patients will get necessary medical attention at RIMS. We will also be able to conduct kidney transplants in the near future."

Medical dialogues team had earlier reported that the Union Health Ministry has provided guidelines regarding the patients on regular dialysis and stated that they should adhere to the prescribed schedule and should not miss their dialysis sessions to avoid any emergency dialysis.

According to the guidelines, each of the states is to have at least one hemodialysis facility with a sufficient number of dialysis machines, staff, and other supporting equipment, but despite these guidelines, during the lockdown period, most of the dialysis and chemotherapy centers remained closed. Under such conditions, the addition of a new nephrology department is a great initiative by the government to alleviate the plight of kidney patients.

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