Continuous ongoing peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is being promoted to reduce the dependence on time-consuming and cost-intensive hemodialysis.
The Health Department has launched a scheme in 11 districts to provide free home peritoneal dialysis for patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD), a statement issued by Health Minister Veena George said here on Wednesday.
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is being popularized among CKD patients as a first step to reduce dependence on hemodialysis, which can only be performed in large hospitals, the statement said. and is cost-intensive.
For now, CAPD will be started in all districts except Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Wayanad. Once the facilities are created, the scheme will be extended to these three districts as well, Ms. George said.
About 36,000-39,000 dialysis are performed every month in medical colleges and hospitals under the health services in the state. A total of 937 dialysis machines are running in 92 hospitals.
Hospitals that deny dialysis service to a CKD patient on weekly dialysis will face action in case he or she contracts COVID-19, the statement said. District medical officers have been asked to take action on all such complaints.
The matter has also been taken up in meetings with private hospitals and they have taken a positive stand, Ms. George said.