Patients with kidney disease are facing difficulties accessing treatment due to long waiting times at the Lamahi Community Dialysis Center.
Family members of patients say the high number of people already receiving regular dialysis has left new patients waiting for extended periods before they can begin treatment.
Ram Bahadur Rayamajhi, a kidney patient, said he has been waiting for a dialysis slot for a month but has yet to receive one.
According to Sushil Pandey, 58 patients are currently receiving regular dialysis at the center, while another 50 new patients remain on the waiting list.
The Lamahi Community Dialysis Center currently operates 10 dialysis machines in two daily shifts. However, because existing patients require ongoing dialysis sessions, the center has been unable to accommodate new patients promptly.
Head of the Lamahi Community Dialysis Center, Sushil Pandey, said the number of patients with kidney failure has continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for the center to meet the growing demand for dialysis services.
He said the government needs to increase both the number of dialysis machines and healthcare personnel to improve access to treatment. Without expanding the center’s capacity, he warned, it will be difficult to provide services to all patients in need.
Established in 2016, the Lamahi Community Dialysis Center currently provides treatment to patients from Dang, Kapilvastu, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, and surrounding districts.