Dialysis machine fails, service disrupted

Valuable parts of kidney dialysis machine of nephrology department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH) were burnt. Some machines have failed. As a result, patients have been suffering in the unit for a long time. They are suffering due to not being able to get treatment on time.

According to hospital sources, seven machines and eight air conditioners (ACs) were burnt in an electrical short circuit on Saturday afternoon. This disrupted dialysis activities.

Rana Mahmud of Nilphamari waited at the hospital since Monday morning for dialysis with his mother, who is suffering from kidney disease. However, he could not get treatment.

Rana Mahmud said his mother has been undergoing dialysis for three-and-a-half years. In the meantime, we have become all-consuming while meeting the medical expenses. It is not possible for me to get dialysis done in a private hospital. On Monday afternoon, many patients were seen sitting in the dialysis unit of the hospital. A part of the unit is shrouded in darkness. The beds are empty.

Jahurul Islam, who came from Parbatipur in Dinajpur, said that his wife has been suffering from kidney disease for two and a half years. He came to the hospital in the early hours of the morning with his wife. But due to lack of dialysis, he is in trouble like others. Zahurul Islam lamented, "It is difficult for me to raise Tk 400 for the hospital in this situation. It will not be possible to save the wife if she is not treated in a government hospital."

Sajeda Khatun, in-charge of the dialysis department of the hospital, said 39 dialysis machines were installed in the department in several phases, but only 20 were damaged due to electrical problems. Currently, 19 machines are operational, but they are running in pairs. On an average, 70 patients come for dialysis every day. However, due to lack of responsible people, these machines are failing. We are facing flak from the patient's relatives for not being able to do dialysis.

When repeatedly asked about the reason for the short circuit at the hospital, Rangpur Public Works Department Sub-Divisional Engineer (Mechanical) Razia Sultana evaded the matter and said that she has been transferred elsewhere. He came to visit after receiving news of a short circuit.

Professor Dr ABM Mobasher Alam, head of the nephrology department of the hospital, said they have no lack of sincerity in their treatment. However, due to the damaged equipment, the officers of this unit, including doctors, have to share the bad reputation.

Dr Md Yunus Ali, director of the hospital, said he has written to the Department of Health to urgently repair the machines. The local public works department has been informed to stop the short circuit.

From January to November 27 this year, 14,000 people underwent dialysis at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

ARS