The State-run Institute of Nephro Urology (INU) is opening its first branch outside Bengaluru with a 50-bed strength facility for the benefit of patients suffering from kidney and urinary tract disorders, on the campus of K.R. Hospital, a teaching hospital of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), here.
The new initiative is expected to help a large number of kidney patients from the four districts of Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajnagar and Kodagu.
Importantly, the number of patients undergoing dialysis procedure daily is expected to go up once the branch is formally launched
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The idea is to conduct dialysis procedure for at least 50 patients daily, installing at least ten more dialysis units. Presently, dialysis is done for 20 to 25 patients using ten dialysis units installed at the Department of Nephrology, K.R. Hospital.
MMCRI dean Dr. Krishnamurthy told The Hindu that the INU branch would be a help to kidney patients as more number of specialists from the parent branch in Bengaluru would be available here.
“The dialysis machines are running continuously at the hospital as patients from neighbouring districts come here for the procedure despite hospitals in those districts being equipped with the units. Dialysis, which costs between Rs. 750 to Rs. 1,000 per procedure in private hospitals, is done for free in the hospital,” he explained.
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The fourth floor of the Medicine Block (IPD building facing Dhanwantri Road) in K.R. Hospital had been identified for setting up the INU branch.
The building is estimated cost around Rs 3.5 crore, Dr. Krishnamurthy said.
The MMCRI dean and director said the INU branch is expected to be ready in six to seven months as the branch had been approved due to the steps taken by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad for the benefit of kidney patients from this region.