Bengaluru: Free dialysis centre inaugurated at Cottonpet PHC

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday inaugurated a free dialysis facility at the Cottonpet Primary Health Centre, which has been named in memory of his father and former chief minister R Gundu Rao.

The new unit, set up at a cost of ₹2.5 crore, is located on the second floor of the health centre and houses 10 dialysis machines. The facility aims to provide affordable and reliable care to patients suffering from chronic kidney ailments in the city.

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Minister's Emphasis

Addressing the gathering, Rao emphasised the state government’s efforts to expand access to advanced dialysis treatment through public health infrastructure. He said the new centre would strengthen services at the grassroots level and benefit economically weaker patients who depend on government hospitals.

Highlighting broader initiatives, Rao noted that dialysis services have been significantly upgraded across Karnataka under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. “Nearly 800 single-use dialyser machines have been deployed in government-run dialysis units across the state, ensuring improved quality and reduced risk of infection,” he said.

Officials present at the launch added that the Cottonpet centre will function as a model facility, demonstrating how local primary health centres can be equipped to deliver specialised treatment. With kidney-related diseases on the rise, authorities expect the centre to ease pressure on larger hospitals while extending critical care closer to communities.