Pune: The state government is set to expand the Maha Dialysis scheme, with 12 new dialysis centres to be inaugurated on May 1, marking Maharashtra Day. The initiative aims to provide free dialysis facilities to kidney patients in rural areas through government hospitals.
New Centres and Inauguration
The new centres are located in the districts of Kolhapur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Beed, Nashik, Jalgaon, Solapur, Satara, Sindhudurg, Gadchiroli, Ratnagiri, and Thane. They will be inaugurated by state health minister Prakash Abitkar.
Staffing and Services
Kailash Bawiskar, deputy director of the health department, stated, "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."
Objective and Infrastructure
According to a press statement from 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. Currently, 92 Maha Dialysis centres are operational across the state, offering a total of 558 dialysis beds.
Digital Platform
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.
This expansion underscores the state's commitment to improving healthcare access for rural populations, particularly those suffering from kidney ailments requiring regular dialysis.
