This is the second unit at a GH in the district

Patients need not go to Madurai for treatment of kidney-related problems hereafter as a dialysis centre was inaugurated at the Dindigul Government Hospital at a cost of Rs.15 lakh on Saturday.

The cost of the dialysis machine and the water treatment plant is around Rs. 10 lakh. Two technicians have been deputed to man the centre round the clock. Three patients can be treated per day.

A nephrologist has been deputed for the newly opened Urology Department. Cleaning staff were also deputed for the centre.

The hospital has sought two more machines to meet the growing demand for treatment. Azhagumani (46) of Dindigul was the first patient to benefit from the centre. The centre has been established with allocation from Dindigul MLA K. Balabarathi’s constituency development fund.

Inaugurating the centre, Ms. Balabarathi said that it would benefit poor patients to a great extent.

A new building for pharmacy, constructed at cost of Rs. 39 lakh, and a renovated operation theatre were also declared open. Adequate pharmacists were deputed, Joint Director of Health Services Dr. Ravikala said.

Referring to other development works, she said that sophisticated equipment were purchased for Ophthalmology Department. Cataract surgery through laser and new equipment to detect vision defects would be introduced shortly. More toilet facilities would be created and construction of additional building for more wards was under way. An old rest room would be converted into toilets and separate toilet facilities would be created for other wards, she added.

She said that 42 bogus dispensaries-cum-medical shops, a first-aid centre and one private hospital had so far been closed across the district. The first dialysis centre in the district was set up at the Palani GH with the financial assistance from donors and various clubs.

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