In an effort to strengthen the healthcare system in the city, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will start five new dialysis centre in the city. Authorities say that the new centres will be functional by the month of August.

Dr Ram Kendre, medical officer of health at the TMC, said, "We will install 10 dialysis machines at each centre so there will be a total of 50 dialysis machines. The facility will be free for those below the poverty line. Those below the creamy layer will have to shell out 50% of the total cost, while those above the creamy layer will have to bear the entire expense of the treatment.”

The new units will be opened at CR Wadia dispensary at Tembhi Naka, Lokmanya Tilak dispensary and one centre each at Hirandani Estate, Ghodbunder road and Mumbra.

Dr Vaijayanti Devagekar, medical officer with the TMC-run CRWadia hospital said, "The dialysis centre will be opened on the second floor of our hospital. Since the hospital is centrally located, it will be useful to the patients.”

Talking about the development, Suman Pandey, 45, a local resident, said, "This is a good move as the patients will not have to go to Mumbai to get their dialysis.

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