Lockdown hits dialysis patients
Many private hosps turn into isolation units
Getting dialysis care is proving to be a big challenge for patients during the lockdown.
Around 40 Aarogyasri centers across Telangana state are running at full capacity, creating fears amongst hospital staff that there might be an overloading on dialysis machines and they must not break down. The facility is being used roundthe-clock by patients coming to Aaroyasri centres, as private centers are not taking new cases due to Covid-19.
The new cases of dialysis are a challenge as their travel history, temperatures for fever and symptoms have to be checked before they can use the unit. The protocols of care have to be maintained as an infection can be a disaster for the unit. Hence, doctors are ensuring that only those cases with no symptoms and travel history are admitted.
Dr Manisha Sahay, senior nephrologist, Osmania General Hospital, said, “we are operating in full capacity at the OGH as all patients from Gandhi Hospital are now coming here. Initially, there were challenges due to nonavailability of transportation, but after issuing certificates, patients are coming regularly.”
The biggest challenge is for patients who can afford these services, because private sector facilities are shut down due to lockdown. They do not want to go to government centers even as other private centers are screening them before giving services, adding to their problems.
Mr Vikram Vuppala, founder, NephroPlus, said, “with private hospitals becoming isolation centers for Covid-19, dialysis patients have been hit badly. Adjusting them in other centres means they have to travel some distance, which is more than usual. Our data estimates show that 20 per cent of them are not able to come to centers. Some of them are skipping a round of dialysis due to cash constrains. This will not be good for their health.”
Dialysis patients need to visit hospitals once in three days. Those who are on peritoneal dialysis have to visit only once in a month but these are very few patients in that category.
DIALYSIS PATIENTS need to visit hospitals once in three days. Those who are on peritoneal dialysis have to visit only once in a month but these are very few patients in that category.