A dialysis unit was opened at the Kalimpong district hospital on Wednesday, much to the relief of the residents of Kalimpong town and surrounding areas, especially for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The unit, which has been opened by the state health department in association with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), will reduce the inconvenience of such patients and their families.

Earlier they had to descend to Siliguri to get the dialysis done.

“The dialysis unit has come as a major relief for many residents of Kalimpong who are suffering from CKD. Till now, they had to go to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital or private clinics in Siliguri for dialysis,” said Anit Thapa, the chief executive of GTA.

Thapa mentioned that they had been in contact with the state health department on the issue and finally, the unit was opened.

“We are also working with the state government on the proposal to open a medical college and hospital in Kalimpong district,” he added.

Sources said the GTA has also identified plots in Pedong and Kalimpong where the proposed medical college can be built. Nothing, however, has been finalized by the state so far.

Arun Sigchi, the executive member of GTA looking after health and minority affairs in the administrative body of the hills, inaugurated the unit.

He said that a five-bed unit has been opened at the hospital where patients
requiring dialysis will be provided the facility free of cost. A Calcutta-based agency has been assigned to operate the unit.

“We are trying to provide dialysis to more than 20 patients daily at the new unit. Our objective is to service the people of Kalimpong, who have been burdened to go to Siliguri. They had to travel for around three hours and had to bear expenses for dialysis,” said Sigchi.

There is another dialysis unit at the Darjeeling district hospital.

“There is a plan to open another dialysis unit at the Kurseong sub-divisional
hospital by early next year. Also, Mirik will get a similar unit once the sub-divisional hospital starts functioning,” Sigchi added.