Dialysis demand outpaces GPHC’s capacity as 246 new patients start treatment

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) said on Wednesday that demand for dialysis and kidney transplant services is surpassing the institution’s current capacity.

A total of 246 new dialysis patients commenced treatment this year, GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran said during a press conference held at the GPHC Resource Centre.

According to Rambarran, striking new data has revealed that between the period 2023 to present, the hospital’s nephrology clinic has registered 2,200 new patients—growth he described as unprecedented.

“We have 360 patients on dialysis, of which 246 started this year. These are some alarming numbers. And this does not constitute what happens at other public health facilities and in the private sector. We have seen an increase in patients being admitted very sick. And the majority of them, because they don’t get their dialysis treatment. We have even seen that quite a number of those who are receiving the subsidies from the government to take up that dialysis are not doing it. And they are being admitted to the hospital. Today we have 29 patients who are in the hospital, of which 20 are on dialysis,” Rambarran disclosed.

Against this backdrop, the Chief Executive Officer explained that the rising demand for both dialysis and kidney transplants has now surpassed available clinical supply, likening the moment to an industry red alert.

“So the demand for dialysis, kidney transplant, I can say exceeds our capacity. And this certainly is a call for action…Our hospital has invested in leading-edge surgical technologies and expanded our transplant team of surgeon, nephrologist, transplant coordinator, and support staff. And we are proud of our outcome, which reflects our commitment to safety, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient care. We have recently increased the capacity to perform more transplants, reduce waiting times, broaden access for underserviced communities,” he added.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed that the government is moving to significantly expand dialysis treatment capacity in hospitals countrywide. Most public hospitals have already been equipped with dialysis chairs, and the six new regional hospitals are each being outfitted with two dedicated chairs.

He added that dialysis services will begin soon in all six new regional hospitals. “And plus, we are looking at where we can add some more chairs,” he continued. “We are hoping that in the very near future, we will be adding 15 more dialysis machines to the public system.”