Dialysis patients protest against poor facilities, mismanagement at Udupi District Hospital

Team Udayavani, May 30, 2023, 10:28 AM IST

Udupi: Patients undergoing dialysis at the district hospital in Udupi staged a spontaneous protest on Monday, expressing their frustration over the disorder and poor management plaguing the dialysis center.

The center, leased to Eskag Sanjeevani, has been accused of inadequate facilities and equipment, leading to dire consequences for patients in need of life-saving treatment.

According to the aggrieved patients, out of the original 14 dialysis machines that were present when the facility began at the district hospital, only seven are currently operational. The remaining machines have fallen into disrepair, with no efforts made to rectify the situation. Shockingly, protestors alleged that 30 patients had lost their lives within the past year due to the chaotic state of affairs at the center.

Currently, 60 patients are undergoing dialysis at the center, and they voiced their outrage at the lack of response from authorities despite numerous appeals to the District Surgeon, District Collector, and the local MLA. Patients complained of issues such as improper cleaning, delays in dialysis procedures, and inadequate equipment.

In response to the escalating situation, MLA Yashpal Suvarna visited District Hospital and personally inspected the dialysis center. He also held a discussion with District Surgeon Dr. Sudesh Kumar.

Speaking to the media, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that the government had entrusted the dialysis centers of 120 government hospitals across the state to the Eskag Sanjeevani. He also promised action against the organization for negligence and to resolve the issue at the earliest.