MULTAN, Jun 12 (APP):The Nishtar Hospital has initiated a comprehensive reorganisation of its dialysis services aimed at strengthening patient safety and preventing the spread of infections, amid concerns circulating on social media regarding changes in the facility's dialysis operations. In a statement issued by the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis Services here on Friday, hospital authorities clarified that the ongoing measures are solely intended to improve infection prevention protocols and …
Nishtar Hospital reorganises dialysis services to enhance patient safety, infection control
MULTAN, Jun 12 (APP):The Nishtar Hospital has initiated a comprehensive reorganisation of its dialysis services aimed at strengthening patient safety and preventing the spread of infections, amid concerns circulating on social media regarding changes in the facility’s dialysis operations.
In a statement issued by the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis Services here on Friday, hospital authorities clarified that the ongoing measures are solely intended to improve infection prevention protocols and ensure safer treatment environments for patients. The reorganisation is being carried out in accordance with the Punjab Healthcare Commission’s Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) guidelines and internationally recognized Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) principles.
The department explained that the hospital’s old dialysis unit had remained partially functional over the past year due to renovation and upgradation work. Following the completion of refurbishment, authorities have planned to relocate patients into separate dialysis areas based on their viral marker status, significantly reducing the risk of cross-infection among patients undergoing long-term treatment.
According to official figures, the dialysis unit currently caters to 197 registered dialysis patients while also handling a substantial number of emergency cases. During the last one year, the department performed approximately 28,000 routine dialysis sessions, reflecting the immense burden on the facility. In addition, nearly 7,000 emergency dialysis procedures were conducted for critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), emergency wards, medical wards, and labor rooms.
To further strengthen dialysis services, the department has recently received eight new dialysis machines and two Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems as donations. The new equipment is being integrated into the existing infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy.
Under the proposed reorganization plan, dedicated dialysis areas are being established for patients infected with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, while non-infected patients and other specialized categories will continue receiving treatment in separate designated sections. The department emphasized that no dialysis services are being discontinued, and all patients will continue to receive treatment without interruption.
Addressing concerns regarding the transfer of some patients to the newly renovated dialysis unit located near the Emergency Block, hospital management stated that several facilitation measures have already been put in place. These include the provision of a fully operational lift, wheelchairs, and support staff to assist patients and attendants, ensuring convenient access to treatment facilities.
The Department of Nephrology reiterated that the reorganization is part of a broader strategy to improve infection control, safeguard patient health, and effectively manage the increasing dialysis workload at the tertiary care institution.
The statement further reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing safe, dignified, uninterrupted, and free dialysis services to all patients in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Punjab Health Department.
