The dialysis centre at the Loknete Eknathrao Gaikwad Urban Health Centre in Dharavi — commonly known as Chota Sion Hospital — is set to reopen, bringing much-needed relief to patients dependent on life-saving treatment. The facility, originally operated by Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, had ceased operations in September 2024 due to a shortage of manpower.
According to the dean of the facility, Dr Pramod Ingale, the tendering process has been completed, and the centre will resume services from May under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. “The model was first proposed by the then-dean, Dr Mohan Joshi, to whom we are thankful. We are awaiting final administrative approval. Once cleared, the 10-bed dialysis unit will be fully functional and accessible to patients across the city,” said Dr Ingale.
New model
The PPP model is also expected to address earlier staffing challenges by ensuring better resource management and the availability of trained personnel. “Sion Hospital will provide the dialysis machine and other infrastructure, while technicians and other manpower will be roped in by the private partner. The private partner will also be responsible for operating the facility,” said Dr Ingale (in pic).
While those covered under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will not have to pay a penny for dialysis, those who aren’t covered will also be taken care of by the hospital. “We have a Poor Box Charity Fund where we get donations and CSR [Corporate Social Responsibility] funds, which we will use to pay the subsidised amount of `1300 per session,” said the dean.
In figures
10
No of beds and dialysis machines
Rs 1700 to Rs 4000
Per-session cost at a private dialysis facility, depending on each case and centre
Rs 0
Cost to be paid by any patient referred to Chota Sion Hospital’s dialysis centre
