Kalimpong District Hospital gets a new dialysis unit

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, AUGUST 21, 2024  : A new dialysis unit was inaugurated at Kalimpong District Hospital on Wednesday, providing much-needed relief to local residents suffering from kidney-related ailments. The unit was formally opened in the presence of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Member Health and Family Welfare, Arun Sigchi.

According to Deputy CMOH 2 of Kalimpong District Hospital, Dr. Ankan Simlandi, a new dialysis unit was established at the hospital under a project costing Rs. 33.5 lakh. The project will be operated by Sterling Healthcare Agency. The dialysis unit will be staffed by two technicians, and the dialysis process for one patient will take approximately three to four hours.

During the event, Arun Sigchi emphasized that with the establishment of this unit, local kidney patients would no longer need to travel long distances for treatment. The unit has the capacity to serve five patients at a time and can treat up to 30 patients daily. Sigchi also said employment opportunities arising from the expansion of the hospital should be offered to local Nepali-speaking residents. He appealed for the inclusion of the Nepali language on hospital boards.

Health Sabhasad of GTA, Dawa Tenzi, expressed confidence that the new dialysis unit would bring significant improvements to the healthcare sector. Previously, patients had to travel to cities like Siliguri for kidney treatment. With this modern facility now available in Kalimpong, timely treatment will be accessible to those in need. The introduction of this service is expected to lead to substantial progress in the local healthcare system and enhance the overall well-being of the community.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Shanta Chhetri, Executive Kalimpong Municipality Administrator Ravi Pradhan, Councillor Sinora Namchu, and Chief Medical Officer Health Suprio Mitra were present at the event.