Ropar: Government hospitals in Punjab will have dialysis machines for patients with kidney problems by August 15. Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla announced that eight government hospitals, including the Ropar Civil Hospital, had been identified to extend this facility. These machines would start operating from August 15. The patients would be charged Rs 750 per dialysis.

She was speaking at a district-level function of the Punjab Ayurveda Department in collaboration with the National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research (NIAPR), Patiala.

On the issue of providing treatment for anaemia, Chawla said a three-day campaign would be organised at Ropar till July 30. Out of 507 ayurveda dispensaries in Punjab, 463 were in rural areas, she added.

On August 8, Panjab University and the PGIMER would conduct exam for recruiting 450 doctors, she said. “With the induction of the new batch, health services will get a major boost. If this batch does not suffice needs of people, we may recall the retired specialists to work in rural pockets,” she said.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, Director, Ayurveda, Punjab, said five areas had been identified to give treatment for anaemia to women. These included the Civil Hospital, Ropar, the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Bharatgarh, the PHC, Kathera, the Government Ayurvedic Dispensary, Bajrur, and the Government Ayurvedic Dispensary, Bhattha Sahib.