Kullu hospital offers free dialysis, comprehensive health services

The Kullu Regional Hospital (RH) is providing free dialysis facilities under the Himcare and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, benefiting patients from Kullu and nearby districts. The initiative includes support from the Hans Foundation and partnerships with private hospitals. Plans are also underway to establish a dialysis centre in Manali, further enhancing accessibility.

Kullu Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Nag Raj Panwar highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare to remote areas under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. “The aim is to ensure better and free medical services at the doorstep of every citizen,” said Panwar.

Kullu district boasts 147 government health institutions, including one Regional Hospital, five civil hospitals, eight community health centres and 25 primary health centers. Additionally, there are 108 sub-health and wellness centres spread across the district. These institutions provide essential healthcare services to thousands daily.

The Kullu RH not only caters to local patients but also serves those from remote areas of Lahaul Spiti and parts of Mandi and Chamba districts. The hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) receives 1,000 to 1,200 patients daily, with district-wide OPD visits averaging 3,000 to 4,000.

With a workforce of approximately 200 health workers in RH and 400 across the district, the hospital offers services from specialists in various fields. Most medical tests and many essential medicines are provided free or at subsidized rates.

Efforts to enhance health infrastructure are ongoing, with regular proposals submitted to the government. The CMO emphasized the administration’s dedication to implementing welfare schemes and improving healthcare delivery to underserved populations.