The district is all set to get its third government dialysis unit with plans underway to set up a unit at Tripunithura Government Taluk Hospital.
At present, the people have to depend on the Regional Dialysis Centre at Aluva and the dialysis unit at Ernakulam General Hospital (GH) for availing themselves of the treatment.
According to the information gleaned from the office of Excise Minister and local MLA K Babu, a total of `33 lakh has been allotted from the MLA fund to construct a new building for the dialysis unit in the hospital compound.
“The e-tender for constructing a 1,500-square feet building will be floated soon and the work will be completed within nine months from undertaking it,” the officials said.
They added that after completing the construction of the building, an amount of `1 crore will be needed to set up the equipment, arrange staff and other facilities for the unit. “As of now, we are unable to provide the huge amount required to the hospital but we have decided to implement the project in different phases and adequate funds will be provided at each phase.
Moreover, some Central Government companies like Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and some private organisations have expressed their willingness to sponsor equipment to the unit. This, hopefully, will speed up the project,” the official added.
Meanwhile, the hospital authorities said the dialysis unit will be a huge relief for the people, especially in the eastern part of the district. “Now, the other dialysis units in the district witness huge rush as they are the only facilities available. Hence, many poor patients are forced to depend on private hospital to conduct dialysis despite the huge cost incurred. The proposed unit will be a solace for them,” said Mani Yogi Das, superintendend of the Tripunithura Government Taluk Hospital.