12 new dialysis centers under state scheme

Pune: The state is set to expand the Maha Dialysis scheme, with 12 new dialysis centres set to be inaugurated on May 1 on the occasion of Maharashtra Day.The scheme provides free dialysis facilities to kidney patients in rural areas through govt hospitals.The new centres, located in districts of Kolhapur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Beed, Nashik, Jalgaon, Solapur, Satara, Sindhudurg, Gadchiroli, Ratnagiri and Thane, will be inaugurated by state health minister Prakash Abitkar.Kailash Bawiskar, deputy director of the health department, said, "These centres are staffed by trained dialysis technicians, nurses and support personnel. Treatments are administered under the expert guidance of nephrologists. Strict adherence to hygiene, safety and medical protocols is maintained at all times. Furthermore, services such as blood tests, necessary injections and dietary consultations are provided to patients completely free of cost."According to a press statement issued by the state health department, the primary objective of the scheme is to extend services to rural hospitals, sub-district hospitals and district hospitals, ensuring that patients in rural areas receive free treatment close to their homes.Facilities with a minimum of five dialysis beds have been set up in rural hospitals, while sub-district and district hospitals have been equipped with eight to ten beds each. At present, 92 Maha Dialysis centres are operational across the state, offering a total of 558 dialysis beds.The Maha Dialysis scheme operates on an end-to-end digital platform, with information and services accessible via its website and a dedicated mobile app. The provision of an online slot-booking facility has significantly reduced waiting periods for treatment.