Handwara, Jan 09: Absence of a dialysis centre at the Associated Hospital GMC Handwara is causing immense hardships to the patients suffering from kidney ailments, forcing them to travel to other districts for treatment.
Patients and their families have urged the government to establish a dialysis facility at the hospital at the earliest. Several patients told Rising Kashmir that they are already burdened with high medical expenses, and traveling long distances for dialysis is adding to their financial and physical stress. Many have to make frequent trips to Srinagar, Baramulla, or Sopore for dialysis, which they say is both costly and exhausting.
Maqbool Ahmad, a resident of Mahan Chowk, Handwara, said he works as a daily-wage laborer and traveling twice a week to Baramulla for dialysis is taking a toll on his health and earnings. “If we had a dialysis centre in Handwara, it would make things much easier for us. The journey itself is exhausting, and I sometimes have to miss my sessions due to lack of money,” he said.
Another patient, Mohammad Yousuf from Rajwar, echoed similar concerns. “In every village, at least two to three people require dialysis regularly. The government should approve this facility immediately so that we don’t have to suffer,” he said.
Officials at GMC Handwara confirmed that a proposal for establishing a dialysis centre has been submitted. “The principal of GMC Handwara recommended setting up a dialysis centre three months ago, and we are hopeful that it will be included in the upcoming budget,” said Dr. Aijaz Bhat, Medical Superintendent of Associated Hospital GMC Handwara.
He also mentioned that the construction of a new hospital building is underway, and within a month, the institution aims to provide better healthcare services to the people of Kupwara district.
Patients and their families are now urging the authorities to expedite the process and ensure that the dialysis centre is established without further delay.
