The dialysis unit at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the only specialized dialysis facility serving the eight districts of Rangpur Division, is facing a critical infrastructure and equipment crisis that could disrupt life-saving treatment for hundreds of kidney patients.
Hospital sources say that five of the unit’s 26 dialysis machines are currently out of service, while the remaining machines have exceeded their recommended operational lifespan by nearly five years. In addition, all 12 air-conditioning units in the dialysis ward have remained non-functional for the past 25 days, raising concerns about patient safety and the continued operation of the aging equipment.
Established in 2010 with 39 dialysis machines, the unit has gradually lost capacity as 13 machines became permanently unusable over the years. The remaining machines now operate under increasing strain, with several reportedly requiring frequent repairs to stay functional.
The facility provides dialysis treatment to around 72 patients daily in three shifts and serves as a vital healthcare resource for kidney patients across Rangpur Division. Patients can receive treatment at a subsidized cost, making the center one of the few affordable options for those suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Ward In-Charge Anisur Rahman said that dialysis machines require a controlled-temperature environment to function properly. However, the prolonged failure of the ward’s air-conditioning system has left both patients and equipment exposed to extreme heat.
A visit to the ward found patients undergoing four- to five-hour dialysis sessions inside a glass-enclosed treatment area without adequate cooling or ventilation. Many were seen using small portable fans brought from home to cope with the uncomfortable conditions.
Patients from Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and other districts described the situation as unbearable, particularly during the ongoing summer heat. They expressed frustration over what they called a lack of urgency by hospital authorities in addressing the problem.
Concerns have also emerged over the ward’s water purification system, an essential component of dialysis treatment. According to hospital staff, one section of the purification plant has already become inoperative, while the remaining system is reportedly at risk of failure. Medical personnel fear that a complete breakdown could force the suspension of dialysis services.
Anisur Rahman also highlighted a severe staffing shortage, saying the unit is being operated with minimal personnel and temporary support staff. He urged authorities to immediately repair the air-conditioning system, replace obsolete dialysis machines, restore the water treatment facility, and recruit additional manpower.