Delay in water analysis leaves dialysis machines unused for six months

Stating that it was surprising that the machines remained out of use despite the state recording a high number of patients with kidney ailments, V Santhanam, a resident in the area, said, “We were overjoyed when the government allotted funds for the machines to be set up at the institution. However, even though the room and the beds are all ready, the ward is not being used.”

“It has been six months and so many poor patients could have benefitted if the machines were used – especially since the process costs between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 in private centres,” he added.

As the hospital is on GST Road many people from Kancheepuram and nearby districts approach the institution to avail of its facilities, he said. “We request the government to make efforts to ensure that the machines are put to use immediately to benefit those in need.” 

Dr Inbavalli M, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the hospital, said, “We have to analyse the quality of water – which requires three to four cycles – before the Dialysis or Blood Purification Unit can be functional. It will take some time and we are hoping to complete the process shortly.” It may be noted that each machine could be used for the dialysis of three patients – four hours per session – if it is a 12-hour working unit. “If the unit is to run for 24 hours, around 18 patients could undergo dialysis on the three-machine unit each day,” said Dr Venkatesh Natarajan, Head of the Nephrology Department at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital.   

Explaining the process of starting a blood purification unit, he said, “It is important to note that the process involves a considerable amount of water use — 150 litres per session. Before purchasing the machines, it is necessary to establish something called the water purification system. It is this system, along with the dialysis machines, that make up a blood purification unit.”

Stating that it is difficult to start the unit without having a good idea of the water facility available, he added, “Once all equipment are available, the machines can be used within 30 days. However, what makes for the delay is the lack of proper guidance. Water purification in the case of dialysis is a continuous process, wherein the system will require a bi-weekly maintenance. It is essential for the Nephrologists to be aware of the components of the water to be able to guide the biomedical engineers who will be designing the RO water purifiers.”

While the RO water system employed in dialysis is different from that used at homes, it is acceptable to take three to six months for the entire work to be completed, he said, adding, in case the hospital takes longer than that, it implies that there is some other problem.