Gangtok, Sikkim – Dialysis treatments at Sikkim’s premier government medical facility, STNM Hospital in Gangtok, have been temporarily suspended, plunging patients and their families into uncertainty. The disruption, which began Monday, is a direct consequence of water contamination following days of relentless heavy rainfall, hospital officials confirmed Tuesday.
The critical malfunction lies within the hospital’s reverse osmosis (RO) purification system, an indispensable apparatus for ensuring safe dialysis procedures. Hospital engineers pinpointed the root cause to an influx of impurities in the water supply, severely compromising the filtration process. Despite exhaustive efforts, engineers have been unable to rectify the issue and have requested up to a week to bring the system back online, according to a public notice issued by the hospital.
This unforeseen suspension has created a precarious situation for patients, many of whom undertake arduous journeys from remote corners of Sikkim for their life-sustaining treatments. As the state’s primary facility for dialysis, the disruption at STNM Hospital has ignited concerns regarding the robustness of contingency plans for essential medical services within the region.
Families grappling with the sudden halt expressed profound frustration over the absence of immediate alternatives. Queries have been raised regarding the hospital’s preparedness and the lack of backup systems for such vital care. One distraught relative articulated the widespread sentiment: “It’s hard enough to travel here every week for treatment. Now we’re being told to find other hospitals. What if someone can’t afford it?”
In response to the crisis, the hospital has advised affected individuals to seek treatment at other district health centres where dialysis units are reportedly still operational. Authorities have conveyed their apologies for the inconvenience caused and have assured patients that they will be promptly notified upon the restoration of services, anticipated by next week.
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