Media Release
Udupi, Mar 28: In a significant move to strengthen kidney care services in the coastal belt of Karnataka, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, has unveiled its newly refurbished dialysis unit. In addition to the state-of-the-art dialysis facility in the Dr Ramdas Pai Block, the expanded unit is set to enhance the hospital’s capacity. This marks a major milestone in the hospital’s continuous commitment to providing top-quality healthcare to the people of Karnataka, particularly those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education inaugurated the renovated unit and said, "The inauguration of the refurbished dialysis unit marks an important step towards fulfilling our mission of providing comprehensive kidney care along with kidney transplant services, to the people of coastal Karnataka.” Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean, KMC, Manipal, Dr Anand Venugopal, COO, Teaching Hospital, MAHE, Manipal, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Dr Dharshan Rangaswamy, professor & head, department of nephrology and renal transplant science and senior nephrologist were present.
Dr Dharshan Rangaswamy, professor and head, department of nephrology and renal transplant science said, "India has one of the highest rates of CKD, with one in every six people affected by this silent epidemic. The situation is critical, with an estimated one lac new patients starting dialysis every year in the country. Understanding the growing demand for specialized renal care, Kasturba Hospital has long been a pioneer in providing dialysis services in the region."
“The hospital’s dialysis service was started in 1971, and a formal dialysis unit originally established in 1991, has grown exponentially over the years. Today, the upgraded unit boasts a capacity to accommodate 30 patients per shift and offers round-the-clock dialysis services. These services are available on both outpatient (OPD) and intensive care units, providing critical care for patients in need of specialized treatment,” he added.
Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital emphasized the continued commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure in the region and said, “Kasturba Hospital’s dialysis services go beyond the standard offerings and provides specialized dialysis for paediatric patients, continuous dialysis services (CRRT), and home dialysis options, catering to the diverse needs of those affected by kidney disease. The hospital's comprehensive nephrology care includes satellite OPD and dialysis services in Dr TMA Pai Hospital Udupi, Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala, and Anjali Hospital in Byndoor, ensuring easy access to dialysis for patients in the region.”