NAROWAL: The Narowal District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital has been without a nephrologist for the past 14 years.

Severe challenges are being faced by the patients receiving treatment in the dialysis ward. When the DHQ Hospital opened in 2009, up to 95,137 individuals have received access to a dialysis facility without a nephrologist throughout that time. Due to the fact that this is the only facility in the area, the dialysis ward initially had four machines. Patients may access the ward 24 hours a day, and Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura residents are now able to receive dialysis there as well.

Dr Tariq Shaheen, in charge of the dialysis ward, said that among the patients, most people belong to Shakargarh. They have to travel 40 to 65 kilometres for treatment.

Dr Shaheen said that in 2022, for the first time, dialysis patients were considered for kidney transplants at the DHQ hospital. Last year, 10 patients ages 20 to 45 had successful kidney transplants.

Dr Shaheen said the number of patients demanded that the Punjab government establish dialysis wards in Shakargarh and Zafarwal tehsil headquarters hospitals.

He said that 60% of the patients on dialysis are hypertensive patients. He said that 20 percent of patients suffer from kidney disease due to diabetes, and another 20 percent from unhealthy water and drinks.

Dr Zahid Randhawa, medical superintendent of the DHQ hospital, said that due to the lack of nephrologists, medical officer Dr Mehwish deals with the dialysis ward. He said that there is an urgent need for a nephrologist.

Mian Mohammad Rafiq, vice president of the Association of Human Rights of Narowal, said that health facilities are the basic rights of citizens. He said that the Punjab Healthcare Commission should take notice of the absence of nephrologists in the district headquarters hospital. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf said that no nephrologist is ready to come to Narowal.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2023